Reading for pleasure offers significant health benefits no matter the material chosen, according to scientists from the University of Cambridge.
In a newly published review, researchers outline how reading enhances mental wellbeing, improves educational outcomes, fosters empathy and reduces the likelihood of developing dementia.
The findings, authored by Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr Christelle Langley from Cambridge’s department of psychiatry, were featured in the journal Psychological Medicine.
Their work aligns with the National Year of Reading, with the academics partnering with The Queen’s Reading Room, a charity established by the Queen to promote the advantages of literature.
Highlighted in the review is a study involving over 10,000 young people, which found that children taking up recreational reading early display enhanced memory, concentration, and executive functioning such as problem solving.
Furthermore, these young readers achieve higher marks, suffer from fewer mental health difficulties, and maintain healthier habits, enjoying increased sleep and reduced screen time.
Dr Langley said: “Given how beneficial reading for pleasure is at a young age, we should be doing everything we can to introduce children and young people to reading.
“The important thing is to find something they’d really enjoy reading about – it might be a TV programme or a game – and use this as a way in.
“Reading comics and graphic novels could also be a helpful introduction as they might be seen as less intimidating, maybe less boring, than novels.”
Overall, the study found that reading at any age improves brain and mental health, leads to better cognitive performance and reduces the risk of mental decline.
“Survey data in adults suggested that reading was associated with reduced stress, greater empathy, enhanced wellbeing, and decreased loneliness,” the study said.
“Studies further indicate that cognitively stimulating activities, particularly reading, are associated with a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline, even among individuals with lower educational attainment….
“Neuroimaging findings suggest that reading is associated with structural and functional differences in brain regions supporting executive control, emotional regulation, and social cognition. Importantly, these benefits appear independent of socioeconomic background.”
Book clubs also promote social connection, it said.
Prof Sahakian said: “Shared reading groups and book clubs appear to provide additional benefits through social interaction.
“They can help people feel less isolated and more connected to others, which has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia.
“While these clubs can be fun and beneficial at any age, they’re perfect for older people who may be not so mobile – they might not be able to go out as an exercise group or a cycling group, but a reading group is something most people can enjoy.”
Prof Sahakian added that “it’s never too late to start” reading, and “it can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age”.
Data suggests that reading among children and teenagers is at its lowest levels since records began, particularly among those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on 760,000 students in 91 countries found 15-year-olds have worse reading skills than at any point this century, and maths and science is being pulled down with it.
It found the average student is reading at a level once expected of someone a year younger.
In the new review, one study of almost 5,500 adults aged 55 and older found those engaged in things like reading were significantly less likely to develop cognitive impairment over a five-year follow-up.
Another study found that reading newspapers, magazines and books was linked to a 33% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Previous research from the Queen’s Reading Room also found that five minutes of fiction can reduce stress by up to 20% as well as boosting concentration and problem-solving skills, and helping readers feel less lonely.
Vicki Perrin, chief executive of the Queen’s Reading Room, said: “Books truly do make life better and we’re excited to do our bit to help everyone, everywhere, make more room for reading.”
