Because of improvements in pharmaceuticals and health care, the U.S. population is gradually trending older. Because of this, elder care is becoming more and more important. In addition to needing help with dressing, bathing, and cooking, seniors with weak eyesight often need someone to read to them. Below are some of the benefits of reading to a senior loved one.

What Are Some Benefits of Reading to Seniors?

1. Concentration 

Both reading and being read to stimulates countless neural pathways. The story engages the listener, increases blood flow to cognitive areas, improves vocabulary, and encourages seniors to concentrate for extended periods. On top of that, reading is a superlative way to learn new things. The brain is a muscle like any other, and you must "use it or lose it." Help your loved one to "use it" by reading to them frequently.

2. Bonding 

If you have a recent favorite novel, consider reading it to an aging relative. Whether it's a romance, a thriller, or a biography of someone you admire, few activities are as enjoyable as sharing a favorite story with someone you love. It could become a favorite of your loved one, as well, and spur you both into exploring other books on the same subject or by the same author. 

3. Conversation

Reading to a senior is unlikely to be the only activity where you spend quality time together. The books you read will likely spur memories, raise points of agreement or contention, and lead to conversations you might otherwise never have. This kind of interaction helps you learn more about your loved one and could deepen the relationship in ways you didn't suspect were possible.

If you have a loved one in need of at-home assistance, contact Visiting Angels Medina, an experienced elder care service in Medina, OH. They have served Brecksville, Brunswick, Hinckley, and other communities around the region since 1998. They offer high-quality, non-medical home care for seniors so their clients can continue living independently. Learn more about them on their website or call (330) 723-0300 to find out more about home elder care.