10+ Best Books for 80-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your favorite octogenarian, or perhaps you're in this vibrant age group yourself and looking for your next great book? Finding engaging "Books for 80-Year-Olds" that resonate with the joys and challenges of this wonderful stage of life can be a delightful adventure. Whether you're buying for yourself, a friend, or a family member, we've curated a variety of lists that cater specifically to readers in their eighties. Keep reading to discover these handpicked selections that promise to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Fun Books for 80-Year-Olds

• The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Allan Karlsson, who escapes from his nursing home on his 100th birthday and embarks on an unexpected journey that involves a suitcase full of cash, accidental involvement with criminals, and historical recollections.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and adventurous tale that proves it's never too late for excitement and new experiences, making it a delightful read for seniors.
  • Perfect for: Seniors who enjoy a good laugh and tales of adventure, as well as history buffs.

• Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
  • Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: In a small town in Colorado, Addie Moore and Louis Waters, both widowed and in their later years, begin sleeping in the same bed to alleviate their loneliness, sparking a deep and reflective relationship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at aging, companionship, and seizing life's opportunities, resonating deeply with older readers.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who appreciates a tender, realistic love story and thoughtful reflection on life's later stages.

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The novel centers around Ove, a curmudgeonly old man whose life changes when a new family moves in next door and challenges his solitary, structured lifestyle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that blends humor with poignant moments, showing the impact of community and friendship at any age.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and stories about personal transformation.

• Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
  • Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Major Ernest Pettigrew, a retired British army major in a quiet English village, develops a relationship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. It's a story of unexpected love and cultural integration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, love, and cultural differences with wit and charm, appealing to older readers looking for heartfelt, meaningful stories.
  • Perfect for: Those who like stories of late-in-life romance and multicultural encounters.

• The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old by Hendrik Groen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This diary-format novel offers an insightful, unabashed account of the daily life and conspiracies of Hendrik Groen as he lives in a retirement home in Amsterdam.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet poignant look at the realities of aging, filled with adventures and misadventures that celebrate the elderly's zest for life.
  • Perfect for: Elderly readers who appreciate a mix of humor and realism, and anyone looking for a candid look at life in a retirement home.

Educational Books for 80-Year-Olds

• Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Medicine, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book explores the challenges of aging and terminal illness as it relates to medical ethics and personal choice, offering a critique of the modern medical industry's focus on survival over quality of life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of medical ethics, awareness of end-of-life care options, philosophical reflection on aging
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides deep insights and thoughtful discussions on how our healthcare system handles aging and death, encouraging readers to think about what quality of life means to them.
  • Perfect for: Seniors interested in medical ethics or those facing decisions about late-life care, as well as caregivers and family members.

• The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This detailed narrative chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural understanding, empathy, and insight into the African American experience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and meticulously researched view of a pivotal but often overlooked period in American history.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and anyone interested in understanding the social forces that have shaped modern America.

• The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Brooks explores the idea of a second mountain in life—a phase where individuals move beyond self-centered goals and into commitments that involve a dedication to others and to ethical living.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, self-reflection, understanding of personal and societal fulfillment
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about what leads to a fulfilling life, emphasizing community and commitment.
  • Perfect for: Individuals seeking deeper personal growth or those reevaluating their life's priorities in their later years.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book offers a sweeping overview of the history of humankind, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical perspective, scientific understanding, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad, thought-provoking look at the evolution of human societies and the challenges we face today.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep dives into history and science, and those curious about the factors that have shaped human civilization.

• The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Technology, History
  • Synopsis: This book details the history of the digital revolution, focusing on the inventors of computers, the internet, and other digital technologies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of technology and its development, appreciation for innovation
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the collaborative nature of technological advances and gives insightful biographies of the key figures who have shaped our digital world.
  • Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts and anyone interested in the stories behind the gadgets and technologies that define our modern life.

Challenging Books for 80-Year-Olds

• Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is a profound exploration of life, death, and spirituality told through the eyes of Reverend John Ames, who writes a letter to his young son as he reflects on his past and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex theological and philosophical themes, intertwined with the intricacies of human relationships and moral dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a reflective and beautifully written meditation on life's fleeting moments and the intersections of faith, history, and family.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a deeply contemplative story that engages with spiritual and existential questions.

• The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a mythical post-Arthurian England, the story follows an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, as they journey across a war-ravaged landscape in search of their long-lost son, while a mysterious mist of forgetfulness threatens their memories and the history of their nation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses allegory and a dense narrative structure to explore themes of memory, love, and forgiveness, demanding attentive reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel's exploration of memory and oblivion is particularly poignant for older readers, offering a unique perspective on how our pasts shape our identities and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a blend of historical setting with mythical elements and deep philosophical undertones.

• The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Focusing on the life of the famous Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, this novel explores the challenges he faced under Soviet rule, balancing his artistic integrity with the demands of a repressive government.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a complex interplay between historical events and personal struggles, requiring knowledge of 20th-century history and an understanding of artistic pressures.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book provides a compelling look at the resilience of the human spirit under censorship and fear, resonating with anyone who values artistic freedom and moral courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives about real figures and the impact of political systems on personal lives.

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel tells the parallel stories of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths eventually cross, illuminating the ways people try to be good to one another despite the horrors surrounding them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's intricate plot and detailed, evocative prose demand careful reading, while its themes require emotional and intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the indiscriminate impact of war on all lives, young and old.
  • Perfect for: Those who are drawn to stories of human connection and survival against the backdrop of historical conflict.

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Following the life of Theo Decker, who survives an accident that kills his mother, the story traces his coming-of-age intertwined with his deepening involvement with a small painting that eventually draws him into the art underworld.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's richly layered narrative, covering themes from art and identity to grief and redemption, requires both emotional and intellectual stamina.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive exploration of love, loss, and the transformative power of art, providing profound insights into human nature and the beauty of flawed existence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy sprawling, epic tales that delve deeply into characters' psyches and life's moral complexities.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're in your 80s, diving into a good book can be one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences. Here are some simple exercises designed to help you develop and maintain good reading habits, ensuring that you get the most out of your reading time.

• Set Regular Reading Times
  • What it is: Schedule specific times of the day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Regularity helps in forming a habit, making it easier to incorporate reading into your daily routine.
  • Tips: Try reading after breakfast or right before bedtime as a way to start or end your day on a positive note.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books on a regular basis.
  • How it helps: Engaging in discussions can enhance comprehension and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Look for local libraries or community centers that host book clubs specifically for seniors.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading books aloud either solo or with a partner.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves memory and understanding by engaging more senses.
  • Tips: Alternate reading pages with a partner to make it more engaging and fun.

• Mix Up Genres
  • What it is: Rotate reading different types of books, from fiction to non-fiction, poetry to biographies.
  • How it helps: This keeps your reading experience fresh and stimulates different parts of the brain.
  • Tips: Choose a new genre every month or ask for recommendations from friends or librarians.

• Use Audiobooks and E-Books
  • What it is: Incorporate audiobooks and e-books into your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Audiobooks can be easier on the eyes and e-books often allow you to adjust text size and background color.
  • Tips: Many libraries offer free access to audiobooks and e-books through various apps.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from your readings.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keeps track of progress and reflections.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after your reading session.

These exercises are tailored to help you enjoy your reading journey, making it more structured and engaging. Remember, the key to developing a lasting reading habit is consistency and finding joy in the stories you explore. Happy reading!