10 Great National Read a Book Day Suggestions for Seniors to Get Their Noses into this Autumn
Did you miss National Read a Book Day in September? Have you read a book lately? Do you feel guilty that you haven’t? Or do you feel guilty that you have only read one or two? There is something wonderful about picking up a book and turning the pages. It’s a gift that we learned to read as children!
Often small trinkets will fall from the pages as we read – a bookmark, train ticket, a dollar bill, a love note – something that reminds us of other times. Opening a bottle of wine can have the same effect. Although wine is a less accommodating medium in which to store keepsakes! Opening a bottle will remind us of places and meals, people, and events, much like a book will.
Why Reading is Important For Seniors
Many studies show that reading books has a positive effect on health. For example, reading reduces stress and helps you fall asleep. Reading for senior citizens promotes concentration. Browsing through the titles in a bookstore is a relaxing and enjoyable experience that we can share with friends. As we age, books become both time machines and forgotten friends. Regardless of age, reading books are important for many reasons.
“Read because you love sitting in your favorite chair … because walking to the library is good exercise … because you’ve always wanted to read Anna Karenina … because you haven’t gotten to use your imagination in a really long time ... because today’s world is so loud, hyper-connected and busy. Most importantly read because the world inside your head is yours and yours alone.” Awareness Days
I Have No Idea What to Read!
Sometimes, standing in the bookstore, or the library, or simply on your favorite book website can be daunting. Each month, eighty-thousand books are printed in the USA alone! That’s a lot of reading to catch up on, right? Don’t worry. You can start relaxing right now.
What do you like to do? Do you like to travel to far-flung destinations? Are cooking and nutrition your thing? How about crafts or learning something new? We know! You like to get out and exercise those legs! Whatever your hobbies, you can begin reading about the fact or fiction side of whatever drives you. Simply go to your favorite bookstore and ask. Or search your favorite online bookstore. Perhaps, you’ll be inspired in your next book club meeting.
Don’t worry if you can’t think of anything to read. We have you covered.
Our Top 10 Recommended Books for Seniors – Just for You
Cooking and Nutrition
The Healthy Seniors Cookbook by Marilyn Mcfarlane
“Enjoying great food doesn't stop during your senior years! Coming up with a tasty, nutritious meal is now easier than ever with The Healthy Seniors Cookbook. Whether cooking for yourself, your spouse, or visiting grandchildren, this book features an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format that provides flavorful meals and simple, fast cooking methods.”
Travel
The Ten Best of Everything - National Geographic by Nathaniel Lande
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Everything-Third-Travelers-Geographic/dp/1426208677
“This deluxe, entertaining dream guide showcases the experience and savoir-faire of such luminaries as Prince Charles on architecture, Arnold Palmer on favorite golf courses, Bob Ellsasser, head of the esteemed Country Walkers, on the best walks and hiking tours, and Baron Philip de Rothschild on the best vintages. Scores of experts name the 10 best islands, poshest pubs and polo clubs, best things to do on Sundays in the world's best cities, and a treasure trove of musts for the high-end traveler or anyone who aspires to be.”
Exercise and Fitness
Senior Fitness: The Diet and Exercise Program for Maximum Health and Longevity
by Ruth E Heidrich, PhD
“In Senior Fitness, the other Dr. Ruth shows how to maintain and even increase physical and sexual fitness at any age--and dramatically reduce the risk of prostate cancer, varicose veins, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and a host of other ailments and diseases. Full of detailed medical information.”
Comedy
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Old-Lady-Broke-Rules/dp/0062447971
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel meets The Italian Job in internationally bestselling author Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg’s witty and insightful comedy of errors about a group of delinquent seniors whose desire for a better quality of life leads them to rob and ransom priceless artwork.”
Mystery
“Famed Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon answers an unexpected summons to appear at the U.S. Capitol Building. His plans are interrupted when a disturbing object—artfully encoded with five symbols—is discovered in the building. Langdon recognizes in the find an ancient invitation into a lost world of esoteric, potentially dangerous wisdom.”
History and Travel
“Inspired by Jack Kerouac's adventures with Neal Cassady, On the Road tells the story of two friends whose cross-country road trips are a quest for meaning and true experience. On the Road is the quintessential American vision of freedom and hope, a book that changed American literature and changed anyone who has ever picked it up.”
Senior Friendship
“Friends since university, with busy working lives behind them, Dido and Georgia have long been looking forward to carefree days of books and conversation, when each finds herself caught up in the unexpected domestic drama. Meanwhile, an eccentric country cousin goes wildly off the rails, children are unhappy in love, and perfect health is all at once in question.”
Mystery
Invisible by Lorena McCourtney
“Ivy Malone has a curiosity that sometimes gets her into trouble, and it's only aggravated by her discovery that she can easily escape the public eye. So, when vandals romp through the local cemetery, she takes advantage of her newfound anonymity and its unforeseen advantages as she launches her unofficial investigation.”
Crafts and Hobbies
The DIY and Crafts Book List – Penguin and Random House
“Find books that will inspire you to cultivate your time and learn new things! These craft and hobby books will teach you everything from woodworking to embroidering.”
A Mixed Bag
“More than two hundred books were selected for senior citizens. Goodreads is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help people find and share books they love. Goodreads launched in January 2007.”
Time to Pick up a Book!
Reading is one of the fundamental skills in our lives. Words, written or spoken, are the foundation of the human experience. The way we are right now is the result of what we say to ourselves, what we think about ourselves, and what our actions are based on. Therefore, what we experience depends on our words as well. Be sure to be surrounded by good words!
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