Reading newspapers improves cognitive function in older adults
Quick Look
- A study found that regular newspaper reading improves cognitive function, reduces symptoms of depression and increases vitality in people over 60 years of age.
- The effect was confirmed by the MoCA test after 26 weeks.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The study was conducted among 63 people over the age of 60 who had not previously read newspapers regularly. Half of the participants were instructed to read the newspaper at least four days a week for 26 weeks.
Regular newspaper reading can improve cognitive function and keep older people active. This was reported by scientists whose work was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
The randomized controlled trial involved 63 people over the age of 60 who had not previously subscribed to newspapers. Half of the participants were asked to read the newspaper at least four days a week, while the control group did not. The experiment lasted 26 weeks, and participants were assessed using several tests on cognitive abilities, mood and daily activities.
After six months, the group that read newspapers scored significantly better on the MoCA test, a test used to assess cognitive function, with a difference of 1.47 points between the groups. These participants also experienced decreased depressive symptoms and increased vitality and mobility scores. Another cognitive test, the MMSE, showed a trend toward improvement but did not reach statistical significance.
The authors believe that reading newspapers may be a simple and inexpensive way to provide intellectual stimulation in old age.
Open Questions
- What type of newspaper was used in the study?
- Will the effects persist after the end of the experiment?
- Are there differences in the effect between men and women?
