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Proof That Your TBR Might Actually Help You Live Longer (E183)
Description
In this solo episode, Kara explores the fascinating research behind how daily reading may support a longer, healthier life. She breaks down the landmark Yale study showing that people who read books for just 30 minutes a day lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers, examines why book-length reading provides unique cognitive benefits, and discusses what current science says about print books versus audiobooks.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how reading strengthens the brain, builds cognitive reserve, and may contribute to healthy aging - plus practical ideas for fitting more reading into everyday life.
Episode Highlights:
• Reading books for just 30 minutes a day was linked to 23 extra months of life, on average.
• Frequent reading is associated with reduced cognitive decline across multiple long-term studies.
• Print or visual reading tends to support stronger comprehension and memory - key components of brain reserve.
• Audiobooks activate many of the same language and emotional brain networks, though the depth of processing may differ.
• Regardless of format, regular engagement with stories supports cognitive health.
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 116: Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?
- Bavishi, Slade & Levy (2016). A Chapter a Day: Association of Book Reading With Longevity. Published in Social Science & Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014
- Pan, Liu, Zhang, Chen & Chen (2021). Reading Activity Prevents Long-Term Decline in Cognitive Function in Older People. Published in BMC Geriatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02357-y
- Baranowska-Łyda, Białek & Gortych-Michalak (2019). The Impact of Presentation Mode on Reading Comprehension: Text vs. Audio. Published in Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00636
- Michael, Keller, Carpenter & Just (2001). fMRI Investigation of Sentence Comprehension by Eye and by Ear. Published in NeuroImage. https://doi.org/10.1006/nimg.2000.0662
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