Yes, it’s true!
At least according to a study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine by researchers at Yale University. The study, conducted over 12 years, revealed a significant link between reading books and longevity.
The researchers analyzed data from 3,635 participants in a nationwide health study of individuals over 50. These people were asked about their reading habits as part of the study. Those who read books for up to three and a half hours per week were 17 percent less likely to die than those who didn’t.
Furthermore, those who read more than that were 23 percent less likely to die. On average, book readers lived two years longer than those who did not read at all.
This is fantastic news. Books are shaping up to be the elixir of life. Who would have guessed?
Mark my words. When this news gets out, book sales are going to soar. After all, who wouldn’t want to live longer?
I don’t know about other authors, but from now on, I’m basing my entire book marketing strategy on this information. People over 50 are my new primary audience, and I’m revising all my paperback and hardcover books to be large print editions. I’m confident that book events at retirement communities will be a tremendous success.
As for myself, the time I spend at the gym will now be dedicated to reading more, and I encourage everyone else to consider that as well.
My imagination has been running wild ever since I learned this news. I envision a world where authors become the most sought-after and highest-paid profession, bar none.
Even as I write this, I find myself needing to breathe into a paper bag to stop hyperventilating.
I’m compiling a list of all the naysayers who ever told me I was wasting my time writing fantasy fiction. “You’ll never make a dime at it,” they said. My message to them will start with, “Na nana na na.”
In all seriousness, the study is legitimate. I didn’t fabricate it to try my hand at comedy.
I did some further digging and found a quote about the study in the Yale Alumni Magazine. Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology, said, “Reading books involves two cognitive processes that could confer a survival advantage.”
She explained that readers might live longer due to the slow, deep immersion required to engage with content and the enhancement of empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence. She also noted, “More questions need to be answered.”
So, what are your reading goals for 2025? In the interest of a longer life, I suggest starting with Elthea’s Realm and continuing with the rest of the series.
Until next time,
John
References:
ScienceDirect publication citing an article in Social Science & Medicine, Volume 164, September 2016, pages 44-48. Article titled: “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity.”
Yale Alumni Magazine: Vol LXXX, No 2, Nov/Dec 2016
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