Study: Adults who read books live longer

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WPVI) -- There's good news if you love to read.

A new study shows it's not just good for your kids. It can also help adults to live longer.

A team at Yale University analyzed results of a survey that followed more than 3,500 adults, 50 or older, for about 12 years.

They found those that read three-and-a-half hours per week were 17 percent less likely to die within that 12-year period.

People who read more than that were 23 percent less likely to die.

The researchers believe reading can boost the connectivity of brain cells.

Overall, they found readers in general survived almost two years longer than nonreaders.

And they did take into account other health risk factors.

The researchers also found readers had greater empathy and comprehension, particularly those who read novels.

They say magazines and newspapers help, but books are best.