Discover a collection of stories from our authorities on the Longevity Lifestyle, created by ROAR Forward, a collaborative of longevity thought leaders and content creators.
You may think of a book club as a chance to chat with friends and enjoy some wine. But they’ve become so much more. They’re one of the most popular social activities for people of all ages—and longevity experts believe that the kind of communal connections they offer can lead to a longer life.
Group book discussions go way back. In the 19th century, when women weren’t allowed to attend universities, they held reading circles in living rooms and empty classrooms. Now people meet up in trendy book bars and cafés, or head to their local public library (close to 85 percent offer them). Virtual versions have also taken off. Groups on social media regularly review the latest reads. In fact, people created around 50,000 clubs on bookclubs.com in 2024, a 60% increase from the previous year. Book clubs have become so trendy that even fashion designers are launching them.
Club Perks
There’s a club out there for everyone where you can find like minds, kindred spirits and have lively exchanges.
“People are thirsty for meaningful interactions and community, and Gen Z is embracing book clubs—getting together to have deep discussions is cool,” says Sarah Ostman, deputy director of programs for the American Library Association and author of Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists. It’s the opposite of all the bits of cultural fluff we’re regularly fed on social media.
Group activities like dissecting novels are one way to help ensure that you’ll keep reading to a ripe old age. “When people think about the keys to longevity, they tend to think about eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep, and they are all important,” says Dr. Laura L. Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity. “But just as important is having strong social connections. There is an abundance of evidence that social engagement is as good a predictor for longevity as these other factors.”
In fact, the decades-long Harvard Study of Adult Development found solid ties with family, friends and community to be the top predictor of living a long life.
“Book clubs are an ideal way to socialize,” continues Dr. Carstensen. “If you go to a cocktail party, the exchanges can be superficial—most people would say it’s not a great emotional experience. But chatting with people who share interests, bring different perspectives, and who are happy to see you makes you feel like you’re part of a community.”
Fresh Fun
Up for some new ways to enjoy your book club? Try these ideas:
Pick a theme.
Members can read any book within that category. Consider a locale (the seaside, Italy, outer space), a genre (favorite teen novels, memoirs), a local author—anything goes.
Meet somewhere different.
Gather at a brewery, on a ferry, in a museum cafe or on the beach. “There’s a rise in walk-and-talk book clubs—you can stroll around the park or go on a hike,” says Ostman.
Go away.
Plan a road trip to a destination in a book club book.
Dig in.
Throw a potluck dinner inspired by food in a book. Or choose cookbooks from around the world and cook your way through those.
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