Try providing older readers with books and/or magazines printed in larger print to find out if making words easier to read increases their interest in reading. Some elderly people neither need nor want larger print, but for others it may make a tremendous difference in their eagerness to read. You might just casually bring by the latest issue of a magazine like the large print edition of Reader’s Digest, or the New York Times, for example, to see what kind of reception it’s given. Sources for books and publications available in large print editions are given at the end of this article.
Spend some time talking with an older person to discover what you can about his interests—and not just reading preferences. A college football fan, for example, might never think of mentioning books on that subject as a reading interest, but might respond favorably to books on that subject or fall issues of magazines that feature the sport. A doll collector might have only read romantic fiction, but might enjoy books filled with photos and copy about various dolls.
Look to your local library for assistance, not just for a source for large print books but also for ideas for reading material that might be of interest to older readers. Librarians keep all kinds of book lists on a variety of subjects (as well as a variety of types of fiction) which they are usually eager to share. Ask librarians for names of books which have been read recently by some of the book groups which are organized in senior citizen centers and retirement complexes.
Consider giving books and magazines on both current events and nostalgia to older readers. While many elderly people thoroughly enjoy books filled with reminiscences about the movies, the fashions, the cars, and other aspects of life when they were young people, just a many are vitally interested in the news of the day and are eager to read about current events, politics, new science breakthroughs and inventions.