The Benefits of Reading for Seniors in Assisted Living
Assisted Living in Shavano Park, TX – Reading is a Great Way for Seniors to Continue Learning and Promotes Cognitive Function
The first time Gary began looking into an assisted living facility for himself and his wife, he didn’t know what to expect of any of them. He was interested in many different activities, but his wife was an avid reader and would prefer to stay home rather than going out and playing games with some of Gary’s friends.
They began their search in their local community because they wanted to stay close to friends and some relatives whom they had grown extremely close to through the years. There were three assisted living facilities in the area and one of the questions Gary had for each of them was whether or not they had a library inside the community.
Of these three, none of them actually had a library, but one of the facilities provided transportation services to all of their residents to go to the library as well as the mall, stores, doctors’ appointments, and much more.
Having access to a library can be an incredibly important thing for any senior who requires some type of assistance. That’s because reading is one of the best activities they can do for their mental health and emotional well-being.
In fact, it is far better to read a book when getting ready to go to sleep than it is to watch television programs. Whether it’s an educational program on PBS, a crime drama on CBS, or a reality show on Fox, television programs can actually stimulate the brain (even though it’s not a beneficial stimulation) and that can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
Reading can offer positive mental stimulation and help calm the mind and body down, helping the individual get ready for a good night’s sleep.
Libraries also offer computers for use, which can allow the senior access to the Internet, DVDs, audio books, and even social groups such as book discussion clubs that can be rewarding and fun for people of all ages.
Some assisted living facilities may actually have their own small library or some place where residents can borrow books and even donate those they own and have read so others within the community can enjoy them, and for anyone who doesn’t have direct experience with the benefits libraries offer, it may very well be time to explore one.
For those relying on assisted living, being able to get to a local library could be incredibly beneficial. Your senior loved one in assisted living truly never knows what adventures he or she could discover when they visit a library.
For more information about Pipestone Place Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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