83% of the Swiss population reads books representing the third source of media in Switzerland — behind surfing the internet for news, watching movies, and listening to music. The Swiss outperform most European neighbors in book reading and today, to celebrate Swiss National Day we invite you …

Staying cool means being « in the know » and one of the main ways to know about things is to read.

Did you know that people who read books for 30 minutes a day have been shown to live longer than those who didn’t read at all?  On average, book readers live for almost two years longer than non-readers. That’s definitely very cool.

Wake-Up! 7 reasons why readers live longer.

1.    Reading exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. It encourages lifelong learning and intellectual growth. By continually engaging with new information and ideas through reading, it opens the doors to new cultures and experiences, helping you maintain intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

2.    Reading books, especially mentally challenging ones, can provide cognitive stimulation. It requires active engagement of your mind, such as understanding complex narratives, following plotlines, and connecting ideas. This mental exercise can help keep your brain sharp, improve memory, and potentially reduce the risk of aging-related cognitive decline.

3.    Reading books, particularly in a quiet and comfortable environment, can create a sense of relaxation and escapism. It allows you to immerse yourself in the story, escaping daily worries and stressors. This can positively impact mental well-being and contribute to stress reduction.

4.    Books have the power to evoke emotions and touch your heart. They can explore complex human experiences, relationships, and emotions, fostering empathy and emotional connection. This emotional engagement can be particularly valuable for aging, providing you with a sense of emotional fulfillment and social connection.

5.    Regular reading, including exposure to new words and diverse writing styles, can expand your vocabulary and language skills. This is beneficial as it can help maintain and improve cognitive abilities, communication skills, and overall linguistic proficiency.

6.    Establishing a regular reading routine before bed with physical books (avoiding screens) can promote better sleep. The calming activity of reading can help relax your mind and signal your body to prepare for sleep, contributing to a more restful night’s sleep — essential for aging well.

7.    Reading can be social by providing opportunities for discussion and connection. Joining book clubs or participating in reading groups allows older adults to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and build social connections.

Research shows that reading real books is more beneficial than reading online.

Shake-Up! 7 reasons why real books are better.

1.    The tactile experience of holding a physical book is unique, flipping through its pages, and feeling the weight and texture of the paper. Along with touch, the smell of freshly printed pages, the feel of paper beneath your fingertips, the crinkle, and crackle of a story flowing by. These sensory aspects can create a feeling of connection, enhancing the reading experience.

2.    Studies have shown that comprehension is overall better when you read print rather than digital texts. Likely this is because we tend to read faster on-screen than in print and this means less deep reading.

3.    Paper books are often seen as a more focused and immersive reading experience compared to digital books. With a physical book, there are typically no notifications, pop-ups, or other digital distractions that can disrupt concentration which can enable you to fully immerse yourself in the narrative and enhance your sense of relaxation and escapism.

4.    Reading from paper may be less strenuous on your eyes compared to reading from digital screens, which emit blue light. However, this depends on your own eyes (see last point below).

5.    Exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt your sleep due to the suppression of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Reading paper books before bed may be a more conducive habit for winding down and promoting better sleep.

6.    For book lovers, the physical presence of a bookshelf filled with beloved titles can bring a sense of pride, accomplishment, and aesthetic pleasure. The act of curating a personal collection and visually appreciating your books can contribute to your sense of well-being and personal identity.

7.    E-Readers create 100x more pollution than one book! While one book uses 16 pounds of CO2 and 2-kilowatt hours, one e-reader produces 65 pounds of CO2 and 100-kilowatt hours.

Though digital e-readers don’t engage the senses the way a physical book does, online reading can also have advantages. It provides accessibility, convenience, and portability, allowing you to carry an entire library in a single device. Digital books often offer features like adjustable font sizes, search functions, and the ability to highlight and take notes. These features can be beneficial for readers with visual impairments, and those who require larger font sizes with age.

Thrive!

Ultimately, the choice between paper books and digital books is subjective and depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and habits. Both formats can contribute to your well-being in their own ways, and you can choose the option that aligns with your needs and preferences. What matters most is fostering a love for reading and finding joy and fulfillment in the stories and knowledge that books provide, regardless of the format.

You can download the 2 first chapters of our book in English or French absolutely free HERE: https://www.wakeupshakeupthrive.com/my-book/. It will inspire you to read the real one for sure!

Thrivingly, Ellen & Dominique