If You Want To Live A Longer Life, Try Reading Books | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

If You Want To Live A Longer Life, It Won't Hurt To Get Into The Habit Of Reading Books

People who tend to read novels tend to live an additional two years as compared to non-readers.

115
If You Want To Live A Longer Life, It Won't Hurt To Get Into The Habit Of Reading Books

I have always been a bookworm as longest I can remember and many of my friends have teased me on the topic frequently. Most people I interact with are more into watching movies and not really into reading in general. Reading is a fundamental aspect of our life and education because we learn by reading the newspaper, books, and almost anything readable. When you start reading a story, you tend to get immensely glued and even emotionally attached to it. From a neurobiological perspective, it can significantly increase metacognitive abilities and stimulate intense brain activity.

According to the 2016 study published in the journal "Social Science and Medicine," people who tend to read novels tend to live an additional two years as compared to non-readers. The researchers have also explicitly highlighted the fact that reading books will increase a person's longevity more as opposed to merely reading newspapers and magazines. This scientific discovery has amazed me to a huge extent because not any type of reading will enable a person to live a longer life. There is indeed a magical potion found in books which can sweep you off your feet and transport you to a whole new world.

Ever since I was little, my parents have read me fairy tales and several short stories before going to bed. After listening to them, I would start dreaming about the characters and their actions. The dreams would turn out to be down-to-earth and soulfully enriching. This helps explain the overarching X-factor of novels as opposed to any other literary device. Not only will getting into the habit of reading books increase your overall lifespan, but it will also pave the way towards becoming more erudite in the evolving world. For instance, researchers Dr. Becca R. Levy and her colleagues have asserted that, "Reading books provide a survival advantage due to the immersive nature that helps maintain cognitive status."

Ideally, reading stories will trigger advanced levels of emotional intelligence which will prepare people to learn the techniques required to live a fully enriching life thus increasing their longevity. While reading books, you never know when you may become an expert raconteur with your learned craft of bringing life into mundane events. Reading a myriad of stories will virtually transform you into the terrain of knowledge and some feisty mental interactions with the characters described.

Keep in mind that if you want to increase your lifespan, it is recommended that you start reading for as little as 30 minutes a day to stimulate advanced levels of analytical cognitive thinking!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Christmas Tree
History.com

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to focus on the Holiday Season. Don't get me wrong, I think Thanksgiving is great and can't wait for it, but nothing gives me greater joy than watching Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas, lighting peppermint scented candles, decking the halls, and baking gingerbread cookies. So while we approach the greatest time of the year, let's watch the 15 best Christmas movies of all time.

Keep Reading...Show less
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

2638
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Signs You’re A Pre-Med Student

Ah, pre-med: home of the dead at heart.

1616
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

1196
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments