Reading is good for your health.

Scientists from the University of Cambridge read many studies about reading. They published their results on 15 September. According to them, reading for pleasure is very good for the brain. This is true for children, for adults and for old people.

If children read often, they learn better at school. They have better attention and a better memory than others. Such children sleep more and sit less in front of screens.

Books help grown-up people too. Just five minutes with a book can reduce stress. Novels help people understand others better. In older people regular reading protects the brain. They get Alzheimer's disease less often.

But today children read less than ever. The problem is biggest among boys and among poor children. So England declared 2026 the year of reading. It wants more people to read for pleasure again.