Reading 'makes people happier and more successful in love'

People who are more literate are happier, more likely to be in a lasting relationship and living in their own home.

By Caroline Gammell
Published: 1:47PM BST 10 Sep 2008

Literate families were more likely to be better paid, drink and smoke less, the study suggestedPhoto: PA

Men in particular benefit, with 43 per cent of those with poor literacy — equal to a seven-year-old — living alone, compared to 30 per cent who have enough reading skills to attain a C or above in a GCSE, according to a study by the National Literacy Trust.

Related Articles

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Reading makes you rich and good in bed

• 
  
  
  
• 
  
  

Almost a quarter of men — 22 per cent — who struggle with reading still live with their parents, compared with just nine per cent of those with good literacy.

The study showed that by the age of 34, 68 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women with good literacy skills are co-habiting or married, compared to 52 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women who find it difficult.

Just half of people who struggle with books claim to be “satisfied with life”, compared with 78 per cent of those who can read well. Literate people also tend to be better paid and smoke less. I found this article here.