For many people, reading offers a welcome escape from the pressures of everyday life. Whether it’s a gripping mystery, an inspiring biography, or a heartwarming romance, books provide entertainment and relaxation. But beyond enjoyment, regular reading may also deliver significant benefits for both brain health and overall well-being.
According to Dr. Cymbeline Perez-Santiago, neurologist and Head of the Neurology Unit at Makati Medical Center, reading can be considered a “full-brain workout” that helps strengthen cognitive function throughout life.
A Workout for the Brain
Research continues to highlight the connection between reading and brain development. A 2020 study found that increased gray matter in the left superior temporal cortex—a region associated with cognitive function—was linked to stronger reading performance among children.
For older adults, reading regularly may help keep the brain active and potentially delay cognitive decline.
“Keeping the mind engaged through book reading delays cognitive decline and positively impacts physical and mental health,” Dr. Perez-Santiago explained.
Additional studies have suggested that reading may even be linked to longevity. A 2017 survey that followed more than 3,000 adults over 12 years found that individuals who regularly read books experienced a 20 percent reduction in mortality risk. Research from Yale University also found that people who read for at least 30 minutes daily lived an average of nearly two years longer than those who did not.
Building Knowledge and Empathy
The benefits of reading extend beyond memory and concentration.
Reading regularly helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and increase general knowledge—skills that can be valuable in academic, professional, and personal settings.
Dr. Perez-Santiago also points to reading’s ability to strengthen empathy.
By following characters’ thoughts, motivations, and experiences, readers develop what psychologists call the “theory of mind”—the capacity to understand and relate to the emotions and perspectives of others.
These skills can help individuals build stronger social connections and navigate relationships more effectively.
Why Books Engage the Brain Differently
Unlike videos or image-based content, books require readers to actively create mental images and interpret information using their imagination.
“Books, particularly long-form content, train us to focus and pay attention at a time when the digital world’s fast-paced, short-form content has reduced our attention span,” Dr. Perez-Santiago said.
Regular reading can also:
- Improve concentration and focus
- Strengthen memory retention
- Enhance analytical thinking
- Develop writing and communication skills
- Encourage creativity and imagination
Making Reading a Habit
Despite its benefits, reading appears to be declining among Filipino adults.
A 2023 National Book Development Board readership survey found that only 42 percent of Filipino adults had read a non-school-related book within the previous year, a significant drop from 80 percent in 2017.
For those struggling to make time for reading, Dr. Perez-Santiago recommends making the activity more accessible and enjoyable.
Keep a Book Nearby
Having a book readily available can help turn idle moments into reading opportunities.
Consider keeping a book:
- In your bag
- In your car
- At your work desk
- Beside your bed
A few pages during waiting times can quickly add up.
Start Small
Readers intimidated by lengthy novels can begin with:
- Short stories
- Novellas
- Essay collections
- Anthologies
These formats can help build focus and reading stamina without feeling overwhelming.
Read at Your Own Pace
There is no rule that says a book must be finished within a certain timeframe.
“Read several books all at once and go at your own pace,” Dr. Perez-Santiago advised. “As proven by studies, even a few minutes of reading can do wonders for your health.”
More Than Just a Hobby
While reading remains one of the simplest and most affordable leisure activities, research increasingly shows that it is also an investment in long-term cognitive health. From improving focus and memory to fostering empathy and potentially contributing to a longer life, opening a book may be one of the healthiest habits a person can develop.
For more information, visit Makati Medical Center or follow Makati Medical Center Facebook Page.
