There are many myths about reading, but according to new research, the love of books, along with other accompanying goodies, also prolongs life.

The study was published in the journal Social Science & Medicine and involved 3,635 people over the age of 50. Scientists observing the rate of aging have found that readers live about 23 months, or 2 years longer, than non-readers. The study also found that people who read at least 3-5 hours a week are 23% less likely to die than those who do not spend so much time reading a book. According to the research, the peculiarity of the reading material itself is also an important issue.

One of the authors of the study, Envy Bevish, notes: This beneficial effect of books is due to the involvement of the reader’s mind in the story of the book – it improves the thought process and prolongs life. It also matters what a person reads – books or magazines.

While reading a book, complex processes take place in the brain. The reader slowly sinks into the work, but at the same time, does not lose touch with the world and constantly draws parallels. In addition, books help to develop empathy and emotional intelligence, which are essential qualities for survival.

So, reading books will not only introduce you to interesting ideas, but also add years to your life.

It is interesting to see whether the connection between the works of a particular author and life expectancy will be explored later. Here, for example, does the question of Tony Morrison prolong his life more than that of Charles Bukowski? Shakespeare or Eliot? Hopefully, scientists will find answers to these questions as well.