Reading can be a wonderful way for seniors to stay mentally active, entertained, and engaged, and finding the right books can make a big difference in their quality of life. Some studies even suggest that reading can delay the onset of cognitive decline. We've prepared some tips to help you select appropriate and engaging books for the seniors in your life.
Consider Individual Interests
Before you pick out a book, consider what your senior loved one might find pleasantly immersive. Start by having a conversation about their past hobbies and interests. Did they enjoy gardening, history, or cooking? Choosing books related to these topics can spark joy and engagement.
Different genres can evoke different emotions and memories. Mysteries, romances, historical fiction, or biographies can all be great choices. Think about what might resonate best with them. Always involve your senior loved one in selecting books. This can be a fun activity where they feel valued and included.
Assessing Reading Abilities
As we age, our reading abilities can change. Choose books that match your loved one's current reading capacity. Are they comfortable with complex texts or do they prefer simpler, more straightforward stories? Be mindful of any cognitive changes like dementia or Alzheimer's. In such cases, shorter books or simpler plots might be more suitable.
Addressing Vision Impairments
Many seniors face vision impairments that can make reading challenging. Thankfully, there are fantastic solutions available. Large-print books have bigger text, which makes it easier for those with vision difficulties to read without strain. Audiobooks can be an excellent option. Your loved one can listen to engaging stories without needing to strain their eyes.
E-readers like Kindles offer adjustable text sizes and different page brightness levels. These can allow your senior loved one to customize their reading experience according to their vision needs.
Book Recommendations
Want to know what to add to your loved one's library? Here are some specific recommendations to get you started:
Popular books available in large print:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Engaging audiobook titles:
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Classic literature and contemporary favorites:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Popular Biographies and Memoirs:
- Educated by Tara Westover
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott
Seniors can also look into new possibilities on websites such as Goodreads, Kirkus Reviews, and Book Riot.
Keep Reading With Senior Helpers
Finding the right books can greatly improve your senior loved one's quality of life. Don't hesitate to explore different options and see what works best.
Would they benefit from a little help with personal care, light housework, or transportation to and from their book club meeting? For in-home assistance in Kernersville, Greensboro, Reidsville, and throughout Guilford County, contact us at Senior Helpers Winston Salem Greensboro. We empower seniors to live their adventures, either within the pages of a good book or out and about in the world around them.