This study investigated the use of reading activities in the enhancement of the lives of nursing-home patients. A special reading group was led by a reading specialist in weekly sessions. Patients voluntarily attended the one-hour sessions and read short selections supplied by the reading specialist. Patients ranged in age from 54 to 91. The effects of poor vision, impaired hearing, and generally poor health on reading were studied. Personal interviews with the 15 patients gave the investigator insight into the type and quantity of personal readings. Other aspects studied were the social interaction of the group in discussion of selected reading materials and the possible reduction, through reading, of reality disorientation resulting from aging. (Author/MB)