# Why reading for pleasure is good for your brain

> New research shows that picking up a book can boost cognition, reduce stress, and protect against cognitive decline.
- Title: Why reading for pleasure is good for your brain · TIME
- Summary: New research shows that picking up a book can boost cognition, reduce stress, and protect against cognitive decline. Reading for pleasure regularly improves…
- Keywords: reading, books, brain health, cognitive decline, mental health, barbara sahakian, university of cambridge, psychological medicine, stress reduction, aging, wellbeing, pleasure
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/09/16/health-benefits-reading-books-for-pleasure
- Author: Veronique Greenwood
- Published: 2026-09-16T18:35:02.564+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reading, books, brain health, cognitive decline, mental health, barbara sahakian, university of cambridge, psychological medicine, stress reduction, aging, wellbeing
## Reading for pleasure is declining
Only 16% of Americans now read for pleasure. In the U.K., regular reading dropped 8% over the last decade.
## Kids who read early do better
Children who started reading for pleasure early had better cognition, fewer mental health problems, and better attention, regardless of background.

> They had better cognition, they had reduced symptoms of mental-health problems, they had better attention.
## Reading builds empathy and connection
Adult readers report feeling less lonely and more connected to others. Fiction activates brain areas involved in understanding other people's perspectives.

> It made me feel more connected to others. It made me understand other people's point of view better, and gave me more empathy.
## Books reduce stress fast
Getting absorbed in a book focuses your attention away from problems and stops rumination. It works like mindfulness.

> If you get engrossed in a book, then your mind and your attention are really focused on reading and the content, which means it takes your attention away from other things.
## Reading once a week protects aging brains
People over 64 who read just once weekly had significantly reduced cognitive decline over 14 years, regardless of education level.

> What is so good about reading is that you get these benefits regardless of socio-economic background or educational level.
## Audiobooks may not work the same
People often multitask while listening to audiobooks, which prevents the deep absorption that makes reading beneficial.
## Key takeaway

Reading for pleasure regularly improves brain function and wellbeing at any age, regardless of education or income level.