Most people know that a library is a great resource for learning and entertainment, but it’s also incredibly important to aging loved ones. Studies have shown that access to books and other reading materials can have a transformative effect on senior living facilities. Yes! And they’re more popular than you think. Here’s why:
Promotes Lifelong Learning
Learning is a lifelong process. It is not just something that happens to you in school and then stops when you graduate. Learning can be fun, social, and even healthy for residents. The best way to ensure that your loved one stays mentally sharp is to provide them with opportunities to learn throughout their life.
Develops Social Interaction And Community Building
On-site libraries can help to foster social interaction and community building. Social interaction is important for residents, as they may be less likely to leave their rooms or apartments because of health issues, mobility problems, and/or lack of transportation options.
The library can serve as a place where loved ones can meet new people. The library staff should be on the lookout for potential friends for residents who don’t have any visitors or family members coming by often. They can also help match up pairs of people who share common interests or backgrounds (e.g., both grew up in the same country). In addition, librarians should encourage conversations between users by acting as mediators when two individuals are having difficulty communicating (e.g., one person needs assistance with technology while another has just come out of surgery).
The library also serves as an excellent place for residents who enjoy reading but do not have access to books at home due to space limitations or financial constraints—such as those living in an assisted living center where storage space is limited—to spend time together while they share their favorite books!
Improves The Health Of Seniors
Reading can reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, lower the risk of heart disease, improve sleep quality and increase mental health. It can also help physical health by improving circulation, increasing blood flow, and preventing muscle atrophy. Reading can improve your social life by helping you communicate better with others and better understand the world around you.
Reading can also make you smarter! A study conducted at Columbia University showed that reading for just three minutes per day would increase your intelligence by improving vocabulary skills; however it doesn’t take much time to see results – researchers found that adult readers were able to recognize words faster than non-readers within eight weeks of beginning an accelerated vocabulary course using books only (no flash cards or other training materials).
Decreases Loneliness And Depression
The lack of social interaction is a major factor in depression, which can seriously affect your senior’s mental health.
The importance of social interaction cannot be overstated: it’s one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy life as you age.
On-site libraries are great places to meet new people and find friends who share your interests. Many libraries also host special events for their patrons, including book clubs, educational lectures, artist talks, and more!
Increased Access To Information
Libraries are a source of information. They can provide access to information that is unavailable otherwise, particularly for those who live in rural areas or have limited access to online resources.
In addition to providing convenient access to books and other media, libraries also offer patrons the opportunity to learn new skills by participating in workshops and classes at the library.
