Newspaper Reading Boosts Brain Power for Seniors

A small team of researchers set out to see if reading newspapers could help older people stay mentally sharp. They recruited 163 seniors who did not already subscribe to a paper. After a brief screening, 64 volunteers were chosen for the trial. These participants were split at random into two groups: one group was asked to read a newspaper at least four days each week, while the other group did not take up newspaper reading. The study ran for 26 weeks, and one participant could not be reached, so they were removed from the data.

Both groups were tested before the study began and again after the 26 weeks. The main test was the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‑J). Other checks included the Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE‑J), the Geriatric Depression Scale‑15 (GDS‑15‑J), a Life‑Space Assessment (LSA), and a Vitality Index. The reading group kept a simple log to prove they were reading, and researchers checked those logs for compliance.

When the numbers were compared, the newspaper readers did better on several measures. Their MoCA‑J scores rose by an average of 1.47 points (95 % CI 0.31‑2.63, p = 0.013). They also showed a drop in depression scores of 1.85 points (95 % CI ‑3.01 to ‑0.68, p = 0.002). Their life‑space scores increased by about 15 points (95 % CI 7.13‑22.35, p < 0.001). A similar trend appeared for MMSE‑J scores, with an average gain of 2.46 points (95 % CI 1.34‑3.58, p = 0.065).

The researchers say the findings point to a cheap, easy activity that can be added to routine care for seniors living at home. Reading a newspaper a few times a week seems to lift thinking skills, lower depressive symptoms, and keep older adults more active. The study suggests that a simple habit like reading can be a useful tool for brain health in later years.