Reading is one of the greatest things that humans do. Reading has allowed us to understand history, and for thousands of years, has been a significant pastime and form of communication. Books and other types of written text have helped humans grow and become masters in what we do.
No matter how old you are, reading is an important part of life; however, the reasons may differ depending on your age. A particularly interesting demographic to look at in regard to reading is the senior generation. An expert from a company that provides in-home senior care pointed out that literature is essential to aging adults because it gives them something to look forward to and is a vehicle for life-long learning.
If you are a senior who loves reading, wants to start reading more, or is thinking of publishing a book, here are three frequently asked questions about seniors and books.
Seniors and Publishing: What Seniors are Asking About Reading and Writing
Whether you are already passionate about reading or haven’t touched a book since high school, here is what you should know about reading, publishing and books in general.
What Are the Benefits of Reading for Seniors?
Seniors can realize many benefits from reading, whether they are perusing a novel, the news or a magazine article. Some of the major benefits of reading for seniors include:
- Enhancing one’s memory. Reading exercises the memory, which activates short-term memory and strengthens the brain’s neural network; this is great for seniors who want to reduce the impact of dementia.
- Reducing stress. Reading relaxes the mind and keeps it occupied, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in a senior’s life.
- Sharpening decision-making skills. Analytical and reasoning power has been proven to decline in people as they age, but reading can help to preserve these skills.
- A form of entertainment. Reading is an entertaining way to occupy the mind no matter a person’s age.
What Are Some Popular Books for Seniors?
Many seniors gravitate towards reading as a stimulating and entertaining activity for the mind; this is especially true for seniors whose mobility challenges might limit their entertainment options.
Seniors who are looking for their next great read or who are researching the self-publishing market for popular genres for seniors, will benefit from knowing what kind of books seniors are reading right now. Here are five titles that are popular with the senior generation:
- One Last Dance: It’s Never Too Late to Fall in Love, Mardo Williams
- Lost & Found, Brooke Davis
- Life After Life, Jill McCorkle
- The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules, Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
- A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman
How Can Seniors Get Published?
Seniors who enjoy reading often enjoy writing as well, and with time to dedicate to the task, their writing is excellent, thoughtful, and thorough. However, those seniors who choose to take their writing to the next step by getting published often don’t know where to start and may never see their books read by adoring fans.
1106 Design has helped many seniors bring their publishing dreams to life and reach a wide audience through self-publishing. Below are some pointers that can help you get your work published as a senior.
- Work with a production and publishing service such as 1106 Design as an independent author. These sorts of services will allow you to publish your work in a professional manner without losing the rights to your work.
- Start a blog. If you are writing articles rather than novels, consider starting a blog. You can post items whenever you want and can gain a large following. Eventually, you can even make money with your posts. Once you have posted enough articles, you can turn them into a book with little effort.
- Submit articles to someone else’s blog. Blogs are a great way to get your name out on the internet and back to your own website or personal blog. Publishers may even see your talent and end up contacting you.
- Find an agent. If you have a completed manuscript, a literary agent can help you submit your work to a book publisher.
- Send your work to online magazines. Online magazines are a great way to get your name out in the world and gain a following.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Reading and Writing
When it comes to reading and publishing as a senior, the possibilities are endless. Find something that interests you and that you are passionate about and begin reading and writing about it. With the appropriate amount of time and effort, you will be able to gain knowledge from books and a following for your work, especially when you choose to work with an online publishing service like 1106 Design. Don’t wait! Get reading and writing today; there are infinite worlds to discover.
About the Author
Kelsey Simpson enjoys writing about things that can help others. She lives in South Jersey, is the proud companion to two German Shepherds, and spends her free time volunteering in dog shelters.
