Why we need everyone to have access to books?

To read is to connect

Listening to stories may be the very thing that held us together in ancient times, when tales of adventure were shared around the fire. So much of our culture is shaped by the narratives we pass on to one another: founding myths, legends, and archetypal characters.

Beyond this deep human heritage, the benefits of reading are as well known as they are proven. Dozens of scientific studies show that reading is the foundation of a good education, sharpens our critical thinking, and plays a social role among peers.

According to reading researchers Paula J. Schwanenflugel and Nancy Flanagan Knapp, “As individuals, readers simply accrue more knowledge. They simply know more. Over time, they expand their intellect and improve their brains. This improvement lasts well into old age. Adults who read experience reductions in stress and increased empathy, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, which most likely have an impact on their social relationships and general happiness.” ₍₁₎

A positive impact on intelligence and overall cognitive function, stronger self-esteem, greater empathy: the psychological and social benefits of reading are many, and the importance of fostering a love of reading simply cannot be overstated.

Steps are already being taken to nurture that love. This very year, the United Kingdom has declared a National Year of Reading, with a clear goal: to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure and to embed reading more securely in everyday life.

What about our older adults?

Yet these efforts are aimed at the general public, and they often leave the most marginalised behind. People who are people who experience vision loss or socially isolated are less likely to benefit from broad initiatives, even though they may be the ones who most need stories, leisure, connection, and information.

Even without an educational or health goal, reading is always worthwhile, because it is enjoyable. Who hasn’t chatted with a friend about a book they’ve just finished, or shared an exciting discovery from the newspaper? For decades, the written word has been one of our main sources of conversation and connection. But older people often lack access to newer media. TV series, short-form video apps, streaming platforms: these are largely designed for younger audiences, and they have left our gran-parents on the sidelines.

And we know the cost of limited access to reading. Among its many consequences, it has been linked to a higher risk of dementia in older adults. In fact, low literacy has been found to predict earlier onset of Alzheimer’s disease more strongly than education level does (Kaup et al., 2013).

A large share of our parents is directly affected. An estimated 10% of adults over 65 live with vision loss ₍₂₎, and a third of older adults are socially isolated ₍₃₎. These figures alone should prompt a collective response and raise the question: what can we do to help them?

Every community should aim to make reading accessible and adapted to the needs of all its members. We believe we have a part to play in that effort.

Listen-in : stories that reach home

How? By creating a home-delivered audiobook service designed especially for older people.

For those who can’t travel beyond their neighbourhood to find a new book; for those whose eyesight makes long texts a struggle; for families who can’t spend as much time with their parents or grandparents as they’d like, and many more: Listen-In brings podcasts, fiction, and non-fiction straight to its listeners.

Thinking of a loved one who could enjoy Listen-In? Get in touch!

We’ll deliver a free tablet directly to their home, preloaded with a selection of audio content.

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