BooksTerra

Is reading not only good for the mind—but also for a longer life?
According to a groundbreaking Yale University study, the answer is yes.
In 2016, researchers from the Yale School of Public Health published a fascinating study titled “A Chapter a Day: Association of Book Reading With Longevity” in the journal Social Science & Medicine. Their research explored whether regular reading habits might actually extend life expectancy—and the results were as inspiring as they were surprising.

What the Yale Study Found
The study followed 3,635 adults aged 50 and older over a 12-year period, examining their reading habits and overall mortality. Participants were divided into three groups:

• Those who didn’t read books at all
• Those who read up to 3.5 hours per week
• Those who read more than 3.5 hours per week

The results were striking:

• Moderate readers had a 17% lower risk of death than non-readers.
• Avid readers—those reading more than 3.5 hours weekly—had a 23% lower risk.
• On average, readers lived almost two years longer than those who never picked up a book.

Even more interesting: this effect applied only to book reading, not to newspapers or magazines. The researchers suggest that books demand deeper engagement and reflection, which could explain their stronger link to longevity.

Why Reading Might Help You Live Longer
While the study doesn’t prove direct causation, it proposes some compelling theories. Reading books requires active mental engagement, empathy, and cognitive effort, all of which can improve brain function and emotional well-being.
The authors noted that reading books “promotes cognitive engagement and emotional connections,” which may reduce stress and keep the mind sharp as we age. And since mental stimulation has been linked to lower dementia risk, this makes the findings even more intriguing.

Important Context
It’s important to remember:

• This was an observational study, meaning it identifies correlation—not proof of cause.
• The data relied on self-reported reading habits, which can vary in accuracy.
• The study group consisted of adults aged 50+, so results might not apply equally to younger readers.

Still, after adjusting for education, wealth, marital status, and health, the connection between reading and longevity remained strong.

Why This Matters for Readers
For those of us who love losing ourselves in a good book, this study is a wonderful reminder that reading is more than a hobby—it’s a powerful act of self-care. Whether it’s fiction, memoirs, or philosophy, each page might not only enrich your mind but also quietly add time to your life.

So next time you open a book, think of it as an investment—not just in knowledge, but in years.