Aloha Everyone,
"Neural research shows that when parents and caregivers interact verbally with children—which includes reading to them—kids learn a great deal more than we ever thought possible," says G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D., chief of the child development and behavior branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda, MD.
These gains range from improved logic skills to lower stress levels. But perhaps the most profound benefit discovered in recent years is the way bedtime stories can rewire children's brains to quicken their mastery of language
But what about reading aloud to the elderly? What are some of the benefits of reading aloud to them? Based on the research done by The Reader Organization in UK, elderly people may slowly stop reading because their vision may not be as acute. Printed words in books and magazines tend to be in small fonts. They cannot see and thus get frustrated. The big font books may be too heavy for them to hold for a prolonged period. As their cognitive abilities dwindles, they may get frustrated when seeing words are difficult to comprehend.
Just as reading aloud to young children, there are many positive benefits of reading aloud to the elderly. It can entertain, introduce new and exciting information, give topics for conversation, help in the recollection of past events, help concentration, alleviate boredom, improve mood and give opportunities for social interaction.
Aloha -- Cathi
