Title: What Books Are Best for Middle-Aged and Elderly Readers?
Speaker: Lee Li Li, Clinical Psychologist
Date: June 3, 2025 (Tuesday)

Flexible Reading Groups

In our previous session, we discussed the flexible and diverse forms a reading group can take, such as an 'oven reading club' or a 'picnic reading group.' Today, we'll introduce a relaxed and convenient format — the Takeout Reading Club.

For instance, after practicing tai chi or morning exercises in the park, seniors can agree to gather at a pavilion. One member can be in charge of ordering takeout meals that will be delivered within 30 to 40 minutes. While waiting for the food to arrive, everyone can sit together and read a good book or share their reading insights. When the food arrives, the engaging reading atmosphere may continue, allowing everyone to enjoy delicious meals while discussing the book's highlights.


Types of Books Suitable for Middle-Aged and Elderly Readers

Many people wonder, “What kind of books are suitable for me?” Here are some recommended categories:

1. Health and Wellness

1. Healthy Recipes: Introduce diets tailored to different body constitutions, integrating seasonal changes and traditional Chinese medicine principles to help readers create scientifically balanced meal plans.
2. Basics of Nutrition: Explain fundamental nutritional concepts, including the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, to help readers understand how to maintain balanced nutrition through diet.
3. Fitness and Exercise: Beneficial for physical activity; however, for group reading, it's better to engage in physical exercise directly with a trainer instead of reading alone.

2. Spiritual and Cultural Enrichment

1. Classic Literature: Recommend and interpret renowned works from Chinese and international literature to enrich literary understanding and humanistic cultivation.
2. Historical Biographies: Introduce the lives and stories of key historical figures to spark interest in history and culture.
3. Cultural Knowledge: Cover a broad range of cultural topics, from folk traditions and art to contemporary pop culture.
4. Traditional Philosophy and Wisdom: Explore classical Chinese philosophical works like Confucianism and Taoism to gain life insights and philosophical thinking skills.

3. Motivational and Self-Development

1. Self-Management Skills: Detailed guides on time management, emotional regulation, and goal setting to help improve personal efficiency and quality of life.
2. Personal Enrichment: Explore training and education on family collaboration, intergenerational communication, and parenting, to enhance comprehensive personal qualities.
3. Inspirational Stories: Share classic motivational tales and real-life success stories to inspire positive thinking and help readers pursue their life goals with determination.

4. Other Interests and Hobbies

1. Art Activities
   1. Painting and Sketching: Express emotions through art, enhance aesthetic taste, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. It also cultivates creativity and concentration.
   2. Handicrafts: Creating handmade items improves dexterity, stimulates creative thinking, and alleviates anxiety and stress, which is beneficial to both body and mind.
   3. Music and Theater: These art forms provide rich audiovisual enjoyment and resonate deeply within the human psyche.
   4. Travel and Photography: -Traveling and taking photos broaden horizons and offer opportunities to connect with nature and explore the world, enriching life experiences.


2. Cognitive Activities
   1. Chess and Go: These traditional strategic games train logic and strategy skills, while also promoting social interaction and friendship.
   2. Writing: Express inner thoughts through writing, organize emotions, improve language skills and creativity, and support mental wellness.
   3. Gardening and Planting: Connecting with nature through gardening brings joy in labor, relaxation, and health benefits.
   4. Cooking: Cooking is not only a practical life skill but also brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness, contributing to psychological well-being.

Reading vs. Watching: Brain Engagement

Reading 《Romance of the Three Kingdoms》 and watching its theatrical adaptations may cover the same story, but they stimulate the brain differently. When reading, the brain actively converts words into mental images — essentially ‘playing a movie' internally. This process engages the prefrontal cortex, involving thinking, visualization, and imagination, and enhances language ability, detail comprehension, visual construction, and overall cognition. Watching theater, by contrast, is more passive and requires less mental effort. From a cognitive health perspective, reading provides more comprehensive mental stimulation and training.


E-Books vs. Paper Books: Which is Better?

1. E-Books

1. Advantages: Portable and accessible, Instant access to large libraries, Eco-friendly
2. Disadvantages: Eye strain from screens, Device dependency, Data privacy and digital rights issues

2. Paper Books

1. Advantages: Tactile and sensory satisfaction, Visual comfort, Cultural tradition, Simple and safe
2. Disadvantages: Less portable, Requires storage space, Higher cost, Environmental concerns

Reading Paper Books vs. Reading E-Books