Listening to Audiobooks is Fun and May Be the Secret to Stronger Memory in Older Adults

Studies have shown that literacy engagement improves cognition and processing in older adults. According to the Beckman Institute’s findings, regularly engaging with literature enhances the plasticity of one’s mind — helping to preserve language, memory, and personality. 

Of course, many older individuals may have a more challenging time with traditional reading methods because of poor eyesight or mobility issues that make it harder to flip pages and hold up an e-reader or book for extended periods. This is where the beauty of audiobooks comes into play for adults over 50.

The accessibility of audiobooks

Though reading is often touted as the pathway to keeping your cognitive skills in good condition, the study also notes how you reap the benefits when you engage your episodic memory. This is done by directly interacting with stories that can suck you in chapter by chapter. As such, it’s not really the act of reading every line with your eyes that stands as the sole key to maintaining your memory. In audio format, you may even be more immersed in each chapter (especially if you pick a narrator that engages you.)

It’s easier to keep up with audiobooks now that it’s a more accessible option. Everand’s library of fiction audiobooks gives listeners access to thousands of titles from buzzy new works like Betsy Lerner’s Shred Sisters and Claire Messud’s This Strange Eventful History to genre classics like Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman, and George Orwell’s 1984.

These titles and many more can be accessed from any device, so listeners can enjoy them from the comfort of their homes or while doing light tasks during their day. Since the vast collection has older and newer entries, listeners can engage their memory through familiar tales and build plasticity by soaking in fresh stories. For older adults who may be less comfortable navigating apps, browser-based scrolling also helps them discover different audiobooks.  

Curating your audio library is worth the effort since you can cover various topics and ensure you feel more engaged with the books in your selection. Since mobile devices are also more lightweight these days, seniors can listen without requiring much assistance once everything is set up. 

The wonders of listening for health in your older years

A Basic and Clinical Neuroscience study found that older adults who participated in audiobook sessions showed significant improvement in their mental health compared to those who did not. The intervention was considered a successful aid in dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, phobia, obsessive-compulsive, and somatic troubles, among others. These mental health challenges also impact the memory dysfunction of older adults and even expedite their deterioration in many cases, adding another notch to the value of audiobook listening.

Aside from the wonder of engaging with tons of stories and fiction across genres, listening to audiobooks also opens older adults up to communities both online and offline. Since seniors tend to feel more isolated after changes in family structures, it helps to find ways to engage with others and regularly socialize.

The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation’s brain longevity therapy training modules indicate socialization as a powerful tool in one’s arsenal to fight memory problems. Those without social connections were found to be 2.37 times more likely to experience cognitive decline, so doing an audiobook club can be a powerful way to build new connections.

Even the act of listening to old favorites has its value in preserving your mind. Research from the University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto found that repeated listening to personally meaningful music helps induce good brain plasticity in individuals already experiencing cognitive impairment.

As each listening session alters the brain’s neural pathways, the listener performs better in neuropsychological tests involving memory. So, if you want to keep your brain sharp, it’s worth listening to songs with special meanings and loading up an audiobook of a story you loved during an essential phase of your life.

This article was written for WHN by RUTH ANN JOHN who is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about health, wellness, and sustainability. When she’s not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her completing an oil painting or doing DIY projects.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.  

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Content may be edited for style and length.

References/Sources/Materials provided by:

The Impact of Audio Book on the Elderly Mental Health – PMC

ONLINE BRAIN LONGEVITY® THERAPY TRAINING – Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation