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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a special lady in her 80s? Finding books that resonate with the rich experiences and interests of an 80-year-old woman can be a delightful challenge. Whether she's a lifelong bibliophile or just looking for her next favorite read, our curated selection of books for an 80-year-old woman is tailored to spark joy and curiosity. Keep reading to discover various lists of books that she might love to get lost in!

Fun Books for 80-Year-Old Woman

• 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 involving a suitcase full of cash, criminals, and an elephant.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lighthearted and humorous read that combines historical events with fictional adventures, making it both entertaining and engaging for senior readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky stories with a mix of humor and history.

• Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
  • Genre(s): Romance, Cultural
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Major Ernest Pettigrew, a retired British army officer who leads a quiet life in a small village, until his friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper, evolves into something more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delicately handles themes of friendship, love, and cultural differences, all wrapped up in charming English countryside settings, which can be very relatable and comforting.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a mature romance and cultural diversity.

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ove, a curmudgeonly old man whose life changes when a new family moves in next door and challenges his solitary, structured world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its exploration of the themes of loss, friendship, and the impact one life has on others can resonate deeply with older readers, providing both laughter and tears.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like character-driven stories that mix humor with deeper life reflections.

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epistolary
  • Synopsis: Set in 1946, the novel is composed of letters exchanged between writer Juliet Ashton and residents of Guernsey Island, depicting their experiences of Nazi Occupation during WWII.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a charming and somewhat educational reading experience through the format of letters, which can be nostalgic and engaging for senior readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy historical narratives and stories about how books can bring people together.

• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Retired Harold Fry receives a letter from a former colleague, Queenie Hennessy, who is in hospice. Spontaneously, he decides to walk across England to see her, meeting various people along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: This is a story of self-discovery and redemption that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, making it a compelling read for older adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a heartwarming adventure that reflects on life’s journey and the surprises it holds.

These books are tailored to keep the spirit of adventure, romance, and humor alive, catering to the diverse interests and experiences of an 80-year-old woman.

Educational Books for 80-Year-Old Woman

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book provides a compelling overview of the history of humankind, from the emergence of archaic human species in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century, focusing on Homo sapiens.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of societal evolution, critical thinking about technology and politics
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insightful perspectives on the development of human societies, economies, and cultures through an accessible and engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the broad strokes of human history and its impact on our current world.

• 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 that individuals strive to climb after achieving initial success. This mountain represents the pursuit of meaning, ethics, and commitment to community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, community involvement, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about their lives' purpose beyond personal success, emphasizing deeper relationships and commitments.
  • Perfect for: Those seeking a reflective and thought-provoking read about personal and societal values.

• The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Health
  • Synopsis: Bryson takes readers on a head-to-toe tour of the human body, explaining its functions, its resilience, and the ways it can malfunction, all in his trademark witty style.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of human anatomy and health, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating and often humorous look at the complex machine we call the human body, making complex topics both accessible and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds wanting to understand more about their physical selves and health.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of a woman born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho who, kept out of school, eventually leaves her family and achieves a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, self-education, critical thinking about family and education
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring testament to the desire for knowledge and the power of education to change lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate powerful personal stories and the transformative power of education.

• The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
  • Genre(s): Historical, Biography
  • Synopsis: Larson delivers a masterful portrait of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz, revealing the day-to-day experience of the Prime Minister and his family during a pivotal period in World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of leadership and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines intimate details with the grand narrative of war, providing a vivid picture of Churchill’s leadership.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers interested in leadership during crisis.

These selections offer a rich blend of historical insight, personal growth, and scientific knowledge, ideal for broadening horizons and sparking curiosity in readers of all ages, particularly those around 80 years old.

Challenging Books for 80-Year-Old Woman

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This epic novel is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars involving Russia. It follows the lives and struggles of four aristocratic families and offers a broad panorama of Russian society.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's sheer length, complex characters, and deep philosophical discussions make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into human nature and society, along with a magnificent portrayal of history and personal destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic stories and are interested in Russian history and deep philosophical questions.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel details the peripatetic appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin over the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its stream-of-consciousness technique, rich characterizations, and broad allusions to a myriad of literary and historical details are intellectually stimulating.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's celebrated as one of the most important works of modernist literature and offers a revolutionary approach to the novel form.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate literary innovation and are looking for a deeply engaging, though challenging, reading experience.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel explores the design, production, and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex structure, detailed descriptive writing, and deep thematic content including science, technology, and philosophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges the reader to think critically about the impact of technology on society and human behavior.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fans of intricate narratives and those interested in technology and history.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter love-hate relationships between the Karamazov brothers and their wastrel father, exploring deep philosophical questions of God, free will, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's exploration of faith, doubt, and reason, along with its deep psychological insight, makes it intellectually demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless insights into personal and philosophical dilemmas that touch on profound existential questions.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy deep philosophical inquiries intertwined with a gripping narrative.

• In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This monumental work is known for its exploration of memory and desire, told through the narrator's recollections of his life and experiences in society.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its length, complex sentences, and subtle exploration of social manners and personal feelings make it a literary endeavor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful reflection on time, memory, and art, providing not just a reading experience but a profound philosophical journey.
  • Perfect for: Readers who wish to immerse themselves in a detailed, introspective exploration of life and art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading can be a delightful and enriching activity at any age, especially for those in their 80s. Here are some tailored exercises to help you, or your loved one, develop and maintain good reading habits. These are simple, engaging, and designed to enhance the reading experience.

• Set Specific Reading Times
  • What it is: Schedule regular, specific times in the day dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of daily life.
  • Tips: Start with short periods and gradually increase as it becomes a habit.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that meets regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and discussion, which can enhance comprehension and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads books that pique your interest or tries genres you've never considered before.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the text aloud, either alone or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves focus and retention, and can make reading a more active and engaging process.
  • Tips: Alter your tone and pace to keep the reading interesting and lively.

• Use Audiobooks
  • What it is: Listen to books read by professional narrators.
  • How it helps: Allows enjoyment of books without the strain on the eyes, and can be a wonderful way to experience literature.
  • Tips: Try listening to audiobooks during activities like walking or relaxing in the garden.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Explore Different Genres
  • What it is: Actively choose books from different genres to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps the reading experience fresh and stimulating, and can expand knowledge and empathy.
  • Tips: Rotate genres monthly to ensure a diverse reading experience.

• Adjust Reading Environment
  • What it is: Create a comfortable, well-lit, and inviting reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances the overall reading experience and can reduce strain on the eyes.
  • Tips: Ensure there is ample lighting and minimal distractions.

These exercises are designed not just to maintain but to enrich the reading habits of someone in their 80s. By incorporating these activities into their routine, reading can continue to be a source of joy, learning, and connection. Happy reading!