Read enjoyably again with the right reading aid

Computer users are readers.  Reading off-line might also be a passion of yours. 

Perhaps you scan the newspaper for local events, or browse  special-interest magazines, or immerse yourself in novels and non-fiction books.

Reading can delight, educate, refresh, and stimulate.  However, if you have physical limitations - such as low vision, arthritis or muscle weakness - reading can also frustrate.

If reading causes you discomfort, consider what can be done.

Sit in comfort

Comfort begins with a firm chair that has a supportive back and armrests.  This makes sitting down and getting up easier than from a plush, deeply cushioned seat.  If you still struggle, a chair lift can help.

Arrange your environment so you can stay put.  If getting in and out of a chair is an effort, minimize the need.  Keep a phone at hand and something to drink, nearby.  

A side table or bedside organizer can hold necessities, but a tray table or an over-the-chair/bed table may be even better.  With stuff in front of you, you won't have to twist to reach what you need.  And your book or magazine can also be positioned comfortably right in front of you.

Hold that thought

If arthritis, single-handedness or another physical condition makes it hard for you to hold a book, don't.  Bookstands can handle that job nicely.

Choose a book holder that fits your reading style.  Some holders are designed for desk or tabletop use.  Other holders are small and portable, nestling nicely in the lap. Yet other bookholders fit around you in the chair or bed. Floor-standing book holders swing around to position reading material before you at the height and angle you prefer as you relax or recline.

With their large, floppy pages, newspapers present a special challenge.  But specially-designed newspaper holders can save the day, allowing you to flip through the paper, even clip coupons, without strain.

When reading without a book holder, improvise.  A rubber band can hold back unread pages, while still allowing you to easily turn the next page.  Paper clips and/or paperweights can be enlisted to manage pages that have already been read.

Let the light shine

Proper lighting reduces eye-strain, so create a reading environment with adequate indirect lighting.

Sunlight streaming into the room is pleasant, but not necessarily good for reading, since it can cast shadows on your reading material.  This reduces the contrast between print and paper, requiring more effort on your part.

Light from a high-intensity reading lamp can also cause problems, glaring off magazines and other shiny, reflective papers.  

The ideal illumination for reading is indirect, avoiding both glare and shadows, while flooding the area with light.

Make it bigger

If you struggle with small print or get headaches when you read, despite corrective glasses, consider using a magnifier.

Magnifiers come in various sizes and shapes.  You hold them a short distance from the reading material, adjusting the focal point for best magnification and clarity.

Full page magnifiers are great for dedicated reading.  Lighted portable magnifiers slip easily into purse or pocket to help you read maps and menus.  Hobby magnifiers hug the head to let you read hands-free.

Stronger magnification results in a smaller lens.  Thus, if you need a lot of magnification, your field of vision will be smaller, requiring more moves across the page as you read.  With practice, though, this will become second-nature.

Be creative

Still struggling?  Consider other options.

Large print.  Bookstores increasingly carry a variety of popular books, newspapers and magazines in large print format.

Audio format.  Some newspapers, like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, can be found in audio versions.

Computer settings.  Use your computer to modify reading materials according to your needs. The display can be customized with larger fonts or brighter screen settings.  

A screen reader program.  Turn video content into audio with a screen reader program.  

Printer.  Sometimes the easiest solution is to print out material in a format easier on your eyes, then read off-line.

With thought and creativity, you can reclaim the pleasure of reading.  It's worth the effort!