La Posada Book Club Fosters Connection and Cognitive Health Among Seniors

The La Posada Book Club has become one of the most popular resident groups at the retirement community, celebrating National Book Month with growing participation that has reached full capacity. Facilitated by longtime reader and resident Constance "Connie" Tozer, the club meets monthly in shared gathering spaces and has evolved from a casual reading group to a vibrant circle of 17 members so sought-after that attendance had to be capped, inspiring additional book clubs throughout the community.

"I've always loved to read," said Connie, recalling childhood library visits with her mother. "When I moved to La Posada and saw they already had a book club, I was thrilled to join and help out where I could." Monthly meetings feature fruit, cheese, and wine provided by La Posada's culinary team as members discuss their latest selection. The group collectively votes on which books to read, ensuring democratic participation, with different members volunteering to lead discussions in what Connie describes as "truly a group effort."

The club's reading list spans both fiction and nonfiction, including historical accounts and stories set in distant locations like Afghanistan and South Korea, though members maintain a strict no-political-books policy to focus on literary discussion rather than debate. "You may not love every book," Connie noted, "but you always learn something from it." La Posada supports accessibility by purchasing both large-print and regular-print copies of each title, while many members use e-readers or library apps like Hoopla and Cloud Library through the Florida library system.

Beyond literary appreciation, the club's true value lies in the friendships it cultivates. "It's not just about reading, it's about connecting," Connie emphasized. "We've built real friendships through this group, and I look forward to our meetings every month." Research from organizations such as Harvard Health and the National Institute on Aging confirms that reading and book club participation in later life can enhance memory, reduce stress, improve mental sharpness, and support longevity—benefits Connie highlights when opening each meeting.

Brad Cadiere, executive director at La Posada, expressed pride in supporting programs that encourage lifelong learning and connection. "Our library and book club are perfect examples of how we nurture community and lifelong curiosity," he said. "It's always wonderful to see the excitement build up when a new book is chosen or a meeting is around the corner. The conversations, laughter, and connections that come from those gatherings truly bring our community to life." For more information, visit https://mylaposada.com/.

Connie's enduring curiosity reflects the club's spirit: "The joy of reading is that it always teaches you something new whether it's a lesson, a story, or just a feeling. My favorite book is always the one I'm reading right now."