Reading a good book can do more than help you relax. Researchers at Yale University found that adults who regularly read books had a 20% lower risk of death over a 12-year follow-up compared to people who did not read books.
The result comes from a 2016 study published in Social sciences and medicine which examined 3,635 Americans over the age of 50. The research gained renewed attention in October 2026, raising an intriguing question: Could something as simple as reading help prolong life?
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Why books had an advantage over newspapers
The researchers compared book readers to those who preferred newspapers and magazines. Both activities involved reading, but books showed a stronger association with survival.
The researchers also took into account age, education, wealth, existing health conditions and other factors that could influence survival.
Their results suggest that the type of material people read might matter, not just the amount of time spent reading.
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The brain can explain the unexpected connection
One possible explanation involves cognitive engagement.
Books often require sustained attention, comprehension, and the ability to connect ideas between chapters. The researchers examined whether these mental processes could help explain the relationship between reading and survival.
Their analysis identified cognitive performance as a statistical mediator of the association.
However, the study was observational. It cannot establish that reading directly prevents disease or prolongs life.
This distinction is important because people who read regularly may differ from nonreaders in ways that researchers cannot fully measure.
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How much reading could make a difference?
The researchers divided the participants into three groups: non-readers, people who read up to 3.49 hours per week, and those who read at least 3.5 hours.
Both reading groups demonstrated a survival advantage over non-readers after statistical adjustments.
For perspective, 3.5 hours per week is about 30 minutes per day.
This does not establish a medically recommended reading prescription, but provides a manageable starting point.
THE Men’s Journal Bottom line: Reading should not replace exercise, adequate sleep, or preventive health care. But setting aside half an hour for a book is an accessible way to stay mentally engaged and potentially promote healthier aging.
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This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on November 1, 2026, where he first appeared in the Health section. Add Men’s Journal as Favorite source by clicking here.
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