According Yale researchers who studied 3,635 people older than 50 found that those who read books for 30 minutes daily lived an average of 23 months longer than nonreaders or magazine readers.  It appears that the  practice of reading books creates cognitive engagement that improves lots of things, including vocabulary, thinking skills and concentration.  It can also affect empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, the sum of which helps people stay on the planet longer.  Just like you always thought – Reading is good for you.