From a parent reading aloud to a toddler in a Warsaw apartment to a retiree turning pages in a Lisbon book club, the simple act of reading for enjoyment appears to carry profound benefits for the brain — benefits that last a lifetime. A new review by researchers at the University of Cambridge synthesises evidence from multiple studies and concludes that recreational reading is linked to sharper attention, better memory, fewer mental health problems, and healthier lifestyles.
“Reading is a great way to support our brain health, develop important cognitive skills and boost our wellbeing,” said Barbara Sahakian, professor at Cambridge and the review’s corresponding author. “It’s something we ought to be encouraging from an early age, given the increasing evidence of its benefits, particularly to children, but really, it’s never too late to start, and it can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age.”
A worrying decline in youth reading
Despite the mounting evidence, reading rates among children and teenagers across Europe are slipping. The latest PISA 2025 report, which assesses 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics, and science, shows a global decline in reading performance. The OECD researchers attribute this partly to reduced recreational reading and increased digital distraction. In the United Kingdom, the National Literacy Trust found that only 36% of 8–18-year-olds said they enjoy reading in their free time, down from 58.6% in 2016. Similar trends are visible in countries like Germany, France, and Italy, where educators worry about the impact of smartphones and social media on sustained attention.
Christelle Langley, co-author of the review, stressed the importance of early intervention. “Given how beneficial reading for pleasure is at a young age, we should be doing everything we can to introduce children and young people to reading,” she said. She suggests finding material that genuinely interests the child — even if it’s based on a TV programme or a video game — as a “way in.” Comics and graphic novels, she added, “could also be a helpful introduction as they might be seen as less intimidating, maybe less boring, than novels.”
Benefits that extend into old age
The advantages are not confined to childhood. The review points to surveys showing that adult readers experience reduced stress, better relaxation, and a more tolerant attitude toward different perspectives. For older adults, the evidence is especially compelling: leisure activities that stimulate the brain are associated with slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia. The protective effect appears even stronger when reading is a social activity, such as in book clubs or reading groups.
“They can help people feel less isolated and more connected to others, which has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia,” Sahakian explained. “While these clubs can be fun and beneficial at any age, they’re perfect for older people who may be not so mobile – they might not be able to go out as [to] an exercise group or a cycling group, but a reading group is something most people can enjoy.”
Reading as a public health strategy
As mental health conditions rise worldwide, researchers are increasingly looking at lifestyle factors that can mitigate risk. Reading, the authors argue, is an “accessible and low-cost protective factor across the lifespan.” They caution that the precise brain mechanisms are not yet fully understood and call for more research. However, they see reading interventions as a practical strategy for supporting brain health and cognitive development.
“Policies that promote early reading habits, through schools, libraries, book clubs and community initiatives, have the potential to help mitigate some of the adverse effects of poverty on brain development and learning trajectories, offering long-term academic and developmental benefits,” they wrote.
The findings arrive as European education systems grapple with literacy challenges. A recent expert warning noted that one in three young Europeans struggles with basic reading. The Cambridge review offers a hopeful counterpoint: it’s never too late to pick up a book, and the benefits are measurable at any age.
For policymakers from Helsinki to Athens, the message is clear: investing in reading — whether through school libraries, community book clubs, or national literacy campaigns — is not just a cultural nicety but a public health priority. As Sahakian put it, “Reading is a great way to support our brain health, develop important cognitive skills and boost our wellbeing.”
