What are the hidden benefits of reading?

Oct 15, 2026 4 min

About this episode

We’ve all heard that reading builds imagination and vocabulary and helps us learn, but there’s more. Research suggests it may even help us live longer. In 2016, Yale University researchers followed more than 3,600 adults over 50 for 12 years, tracking their reading habits and life expectancy. Their finding was striking: people who regularly read books lived, on average, nearly two years longer than those who didn’t read at all. How is that possible? What explains this link, in practical terms? Beyond social connection, what else does reading do for us? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠⁠Could intentional lazy parenting foster your child's independence?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠What is second child syndrome, the feeling affecting Prince Harry?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Why do children have imaginary friends?⁠⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 25/3/2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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