One study found that people older than 50 who read books for 30 minutes daily lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers or magazine readers. The practice of reading books creates cognitive engagement which improves lots of things, including vocabulary, thinking skills and concentration. It also can affect empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, the sum of which helps people stay on the planet longer. Other research shows that reading fiction—as opposed to non-fiction—leads to more open-mindedness and creativity.