The Benefits of Audiobooks for Seniors

Reading is one of the best things we can do to keep our minds sharp, improve our vocabulary, and stir our imaginations. But what do you do when your book-loving senior loved one’s passion for reading isn’t what it used to be?

When you’ve been an avid reader all your life, it can be very frustrating to suddenly have challenges making out the words on the pages of a book or on a computer screen, potentially due to common eye issues like cataracts, presbyopia, and macular degeneration.

Just because Mom or Dad can’t see as well as they once did, however, doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy the essence of reading. Audiobooks, for example, which feature narrators that read the text out loud, are a great solution. Seniors can enjoy all of the benefits of audiobooks without needing to strain their eyes or hold a book for long periods of time. And the best part—anyone can do it!

Five Reasons Audiobooks Are Perfect for Seniors:

• Mental stimulation: Like a well-oiled machine, our brains work best when used frequently. When you consider that people with vision impairment might also be limited from enjoying movies on television, participating in hobbies that require driving, or activities like putting together puzzles and playing word games, finding something stimulating for them to do becomes of even greater importance. For some, listening to an audiobook can be a lot more enjoyable than listening to a television show because, like old-time radio shows, the author or narrator uses their voice to paint a mental picture of the scene. Using their imagination stimulates a senior’s brain and keeps their cognitive abilities sharp.
• It’s easy: Sometimes seniors shy away from complicated technology. Learning new things can be especially frustrating for those who have a tough time seeing or struggle with strength and dexterity. While it’s easy to download a book on a smartphone or an electronic tablet and start it with just one touch, there are other options available that might be more in line with what our seniors grew up with. One of the benefits of audiobooks are that physical audiobooks can be found for sale online, or as cassette tapes and compact discs available for check out at public libraries.
• Audiobooks fight depression and loneliness: This is an ideal option for a senior who feels as if she or he is trapped in their home with nothing to do, no one to talk to, and nothing to look forward to. Audiobooks can introduce a whole new world of entertainment for them. Plus, for many, half the fun of reading is talking with our friends about the book. This mental and social stimulation are major weapons used to fight off depression and loneliness.
• It’s cheap entertainment: As previously mentioned, audiobooks are available for free from public libraries – and they’re also cheaply found at yard sales, thrift shops and online marketplaces. When you’re a retired senior on a fixed income, affordability matters, right? Not being limited financially in their pursuit of a good audiobook will give Mom or Dad a sense of freedom and independence.
• It takes their mind off their problems: As we age, we worry about our health, our future, and a lot of other things we weren’t concerned about when we were young. Having something else to think about can do wonders for our quality of life. Instead of dwelling on things we can’t control, it’s nice to lose yourself in entertainment and have something else to occupy your mind.

Making Reading More Accessible

These benefits of audiobooks demonstrate how they can be the perfect, simple solution to common obstacles of aging – and not only for those with diminishing eyesight. People with arthritis or those who have trouble sitting upright in a chair for long periods of time might find it difficult to hold a book long enough to enjoy it. By listening to a book instead, they can enjoy this pastime for as long as they like and from anywhere they are comfortable. They could even do it while they exercise, do the dishes, or eat dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Finally, adopting audiobooks as a hobby is easy. It doesn’t take expensive technology, you can do it in the comfort of your own home, and it doesn’t require a learning curve or a partner. Introduce your loved one to a new way to enjoy their favorite stories today!

Explore other hobbies for seniors on Bethesda’s blog!