Page 47 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

This is a novel

finding (in both
senses of the word),
as previous studies

did not compare The book readers had a 20 While Naples-Immokalee-
percent reduction in mortality
types of reading compared to the non-book Marco Island, our Metropolitan
material; it indicates readers. Americans had read an Statistical Area (MSA), has some
average (mean) of twelve books, remarkable attributes:
that book reading while the typical (median) • The longest life expectancy in
rather than reading person had read four books— the nation at 83.5 years, according
surprisingly good news.
in general is driving Now for some even more to Institute for Health Metrics
and Evaluation, with an average
survival advantage. interesting findings. The in America of 78.8 years and an advantage of 10.2 years
analysis demonstrated any
more than the lowest MSA.
level of book reading had a
• The healthiest and happiest MSA in the nation,
significantly stronger survival
according to the Gallop-Healthways Well Being Index.
advantage than reading periodicals. To borrow a phrase from the
• The best place to retire in America, according to the
original article, “This is a novel finding (in both senses of the word),
Kiplinger letter.
as previous studies did not compare types of reading material; it
• The rankings of 1st, 1st, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, and
indicates that book reading rather than reading in general is driving
2nd for healthiest community among Florida’s 67
survival advantage.”
counties, according to the Robert Wood Johnson annual
Of note, the beneficial effect of reading on longer life expectancy
assessment for the past seven years.
was not related to gender, health, wealth, education, or age. Namely,
We are engaged along with thirty-two other like-
older folks also benefited by reading compared to people of similar age
minded health oriented and proactive communities
who were not readers.
in the Blue Zones Project. These communities in nine
Sadly, individuals over the age of 65 waste an average of 4.4 hours
states include 2.2 million people. Little by little we can
per day watching TV according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
change America’s health for the better, control health
Typically, TV has ten minutes of commercials for every twenty
care costs, and enjoy improved outcomes.
minutes of content. As has been shared by a pundit, the mindlessness
There are nine known characteristics of people who
of TV content has been created just to separate the commercials.
live well and long according to the Blue Zones research:
A well-known fact is that excessive sedentary behavior is a health
Move naturally, have purpose, down shift, 80 percent
hazard, exacerbating heart and lung disease, and increasing the risks
rule (eat only to you are 80 percent full), plant slant
of diabetes and cancer. Even though reading a book is obviously a
(mostly a vegetarian diet), wine @ 5, belong (have friends
sedentary activity, the cognitive engagement and emotional intelligence
and socialize), family first, and right tribe (https://
gained more than overcome the health hazard of being sedentary.
southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com/) Interestingly,
Changing behaviors, such as walking to the library, taking
according the above research although not observed
out books, engaging in a novel, empathizing with a character, or
worldwide, adding reading to our daily habits will also
developing a new attitude could add significantly to your life span.
contribute to better health.
We are fortunate in Collier County to have a robust library system
Change is difficult and certainly optional. As we
with broad geographic span and easy access. Frequent utilization of
continue to live longer, happier, and healthier lives,
the library benefits everyone.
please consider reading as a daily activity.
“Reading a chapter a day” could or should rise in popularity to the
aphorism, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Thirty minutes a
day reading would add years to everyone’s life.
Life in Naples | April 2017 47