Digital Entertainment
Staying entertained and engaged is essential for seniors, as it boosts mood and combats loneliness. Various digital platforms offer access to books, streaming local TV sports videos, music, educational content and games, provide avenues for enjoyment and connection.
Free TV and Movies
Seniors have several free options to enjoy TV shows and movies without incurring additional costs. Here are some notable platforms: These options enable seniors to enjoy diverse entertainment content without the burden of subscription fees, utilizing both modern streaming platforms and traditional broadcast methods.
- Tubi
An ad-supported streaming service offering a vast library of movies and TV shows across various genres. Accessible via web browsers, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick. https://tubitv.com/ - Pluto TV
Pluto provides over 250 live TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows for free. It features classic TV series and a user-friendly interface, making it appealing to older viewers. https://pluto.tv/ - Amazon Freevee
Formerly IMDb TV, this free, ad-supported streaming service offers a selection of movies and TV shows. It is available through the Amazon Prime Video app and doesn’t require a Prime subscription.
- Digital Antennas
By installing a digital antenna, seniors can access local broadcast channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX for free. This setup provides news, sports, and entertainment without monthly fees. - Local Libraries
Many public libraries offer free streaming services like Kanopy and Hoopla , granting access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, audiobooks and documentaries. Seniors can check with their local libraries to utilize these resources.
Fee-Based Streaming Services for Seniors
Streaming video services offer seniors a convenient and diverse array of entertainment options, from classic films and television shows to live events and educational content. These platforms provide on-demand access, allowing viewers to enjoy their favorite programs at their leisure, enhancing mood and easing feelings of loneliness. When selecting a streaming service, consider your viewing preferences, budget, and the specific features that are most important to you. Many platforms offer customizable options to enhance your entertainment experience.
Things to Consider
- Ease of Use: Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have user-friendly interfaces, making navigation straightforward.
- Content Variety: Platforms such as Sling TV offer a mix of live TV and on-demand content, which can appeal to those accustomed to traditional cable TV.
- Cost: Streaming services are generally more affordable than traditional cable packages. For instance, Sling TV’s packages start at $40 per month.
- Trial Periods: Many services offer free trials, allowing users to test the platform before committing. For example, Amazon Music Unlimited currently offers a three-month free trial.
Streaming Services That Cater to Seniors
These platforms are designed to be user-friendly and provide a wide range of content, ensuring seniors can find programming that suits their interests and preferences.
- Netflix
Netflix is a leading streaming platform offering a vast library of movies, TV series, documentaries, and original content across various genres. Its user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations make it accessible and enjoyable for seniors.
Cost: Subscription plans start at $6.99 per month for the Standard with Ads plan, $15.49 per month for the Standard plan, and $22.99 per month for the Premium plan. https://www.netflix.com - Hulu
Hulu offers a comprehensive library of current and past TV episodes, movies, and original programming. Its live TV option allows seniors to watch real-time broadcasts of their favorite channels.
Costs: Plans begin at $9.99 per month for the ad-supported version and $18.99 no ads, with additional options for live TV. https://www.hulu.com - Sling
Sling TV has simplified plans, all of which include live TV. No matter which plan you choose, you’ll get 25 channels, Along with live TV, Sling offers add-ons like Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, AMC+, Discovery+, and more.
Costs: Sling costs either $45.99 per month for 32 channels, $45.99 per month for 42 channels, or $60.99 per month for 46 channels. https://www.sling.com - Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime provides an extensive selection of films, TV shows, and exclusive Amazon Originals. Seniors who join Amazon Prime also benefit from additional services like free shipping and access to eBooks.
Costs: Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription at $14.99 per month or $139 per year, including additional benefits, or can be subscribed separately for $8.99 per month.
Streaming Music Sources for Seniors
Music streaming services offer seniors access to vast libraries of songs, albums, and playlists, providing an enjoyable and engaging auditory experience. These apps are designed to be accessible and user-friendly, making it easier for seniors to stay entertained, informed, and connected.
- Spotify
Spotify is a leading music streaming platform that provides access to millions of songs and podcasts. Users can create personalized playlists, explore new genres, and enjoy curated content.
Costs: It offers a free tier with ads and a premium subscription at $19.99 per month, which provides ad-free listening, offline downloads, and unlimited skips. Family and student plans are also available at discounted rates. https://open.spotify.com/ - Apple Music
It provides access to over 100 million songs, including high-resolution and spatial audio content.
Costs: The individual plan is $10.99 per month, with family and student plans available at $16.99 and $5.99 per month, respectively. https://www.apple.com/apple-music/ - Sirius XM
Sirius XM is a leading audio entertainment company in the United States, offering a wide array of content including music, sports, talk shows, news, and podcasts.
Costs: Sirius XM offers various subscription plans to cater to different listener preferences. 3 plans run from $13.99 for the Music Showcase Plan to $23.99 for the Platinum Plan:.https://www.siriusxm.com/ - Amazon Music Unlimited
Offers a vast library of songs with high-definition audio quality.
Costs: The individual plan costs $10.99 monthly, with a discounted rate of $9.99 for Prime members. Family and student plans are also available.
Reading Provides Health Benefits to Seniors
Reading entertains seniors by immersing them in engaging stories and diverse genres, providing an enjoyable escape from daily routines. It stimulates imagination and creativity, allowing seniors to explore new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, participating in book clubs or discussions fosters social connections, enhancing the entertainment value through shared experiences
- Libby
Libby is a user-friendly app that connects to your local library, allowing you to borrow free eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. With a vast selection of titles, it enables seniors to enjoy reading without leaving home. Libby is available for iOS and Android devices. https://libbyapp.com/ - Open Library
An initiative of the Internet Archive, Open Library offers over 3 million eBooks, including classic literature and contemporary titles. Users can borrow digital copies for free by creating an account. https://openlibrary.org/ - Project Gutenberg
A volunteer-driven initiative that provides over 60,000 free eBooks, primarily focusing on works with expired copyrights. It’s an excellent resource for classic literature enthusiasts.
Costs: Project Gutenberg is free to use and does not charge any fees or require registration: https://www.gutenberg.org/ - Audible
Audible, an Amazon company, offers a vast selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and original audio content.
Costs: Subscription plans include Audible Plus, which costs $7.95 per month and provides unlimited access to a curated catalog, and Audible Premium Plus, which costs $14.95 monthly. https://www.audible.com/ - Barnes & Noble
A well-known bookseller providing a vast selection of physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks for purchase. Their Nook platform offers digital reading options, often with free samples and occasional promotions.
Costs: Premium Membership – $39.99 a year, provides the 10% off Everyday Member Discount in Barnes & Noble and Paper Source stores and on bn.com purchases. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ - Google Play Books
Google’s digital bookstore offers millions of titles, including eBooks and audiobooks, for purchase or free download. It is accessible across multiple devices and allows for seamless reading experiences.
Costs: The reader can purchase the book at the shelf price and simply start reading. Google Play - Amazon Books
Amazon offers one of the largest selections of books, including physical copies, eBooks, and audiobooks, catering to readers of all preferences. With the Kindle platform, users can access millions of titles on compatible devices, while Amazon Audible provides an extensive library of audiobooks. Amazon make it easy for seniors to discover and enjoy books from the comfort of their homes.
Costs: Amazon books can vary in price depending on the format (book or Kindle E-book) and other factors:
Educational Opportunities for Seniors
Learning Without Age Limits
Seniors can access various educational resources tailored to their interests and learning preferences. These platforms offer seniors opportunities to continue their education, explore new interests, and engage with their communities.
- Senior Planet
A nonprofit organization offering free courses on technology, health, and social engagement, both online and in-person, empowering older adults to acquire new skills and stay connected. https://seniorplanet.org/
Road Scholar
An educational travel organization providing a wide range of programs worldwide, combining learning experiences with travel adventures designed for older adults. Program costs vary depending on the destination and duration, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. https://www.roadscholar.org/ - Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI)
A network of programs offered at universities and colleges across the United States, providing courses and activities for seniors, including classes on history, science, and the arts.
Costs: Membership fees and course costs vary by location. https://www.osherfoundation.org/ - Coursera
An online learning platform offering courses from universities and organizations worldwide. Seniors can audit many courses for free, gaining access to video lectures and some materials. For those seeking certificates or graded assignments, individual courses typically cost between $49 and $79.
Costs: Coursera Plus provides unlimited access to over 7,000 courses for $59 per month or $399 per year. https://www.coursera.org/courseraplus/ - Udemy
Udemy is a comprehensive online learning platform offering over 250,000 courses across various subjects, including business, technology, and personal development. Individual courses are available for a one-time fee, typically ranging from $9.99 to $199.99, with frequent discounts reducing prices significantly.
Costs: Udemy provides subscription plans, such as the Personal Plan, which costs approximately $20 per month and grants unlimited access to a curated selection of courses, and the Team Plan for businesses, which costs $360 per user annually. https://www.udemy.com/
Personal Assistant for Senior Entertainment
Enhancing Senior Entertainment with Amazon Echo Devices
Amazon’s Echo devices, powered by Alexa, offer seniors a hands-free way to enjoy music, audiobooks, and games. With simple voice commands, users can access their favorite songs, listen to engaging stories, and play interactive games, making entertainment easily accessible. These devices give seniors easy access to a wide range of entertainment options, promoting engagement and enjoyment in daily life. These functionalities demonstrate how Echo devices can support seniors in daily activities, entertainment, and staying connected with loved ones. Amazon’s Echo devices offer seniors a range of functionalities to enhance daily living. Here are three examples for each device.
Echo Dot
The Echo Dot is Amazon’s compact and affordable smart speaker, providing access to Alexa’s voice-controlled capabilities. Its small size makes it suitable for any room, delivering clear sound for music, audiobooks, and news updates. Seniors can use voice commands to set reminders, check the weather, and control compatible smart home devices, promoting convenience and independence.
Examples:
- Medication Reminders: Seniors can set up daily reminders to take medications, ensuring adherence to prescribed schedules.
- Weather Updates: By asking, “Alexa, what’s the weather today?” seniors receive current weather information to plan their day accordingly.
- Music Streaming: With a simple voice command, such as “Alexa, play classical music,” the Echo Dot plays preferred music genres, providing entertainment and relaxation.
Echo
The standard Echo offers enhanced audio quality with a built-in woofer and tweeter, making it ideal for seniors who enjoy listening to music or podcasts. Beyond entertainment, it is a hub for controlling smart home devices, such as lights and thermostats, through voice commands. Its far-field microphone technology ensures Alexa can hear commands from across the room, even in noisy environments.
Examples:
- Smart Home Control: Seniors can use voice commands to control compatible smart home devices, like lights and thermostats, enhancing convenience and safety.
- News Briefings: The Echo provides daily news briefings by saying, “Alexa, what’s the news?” This keeps seniors informed about current events.
- Audiobook Playback: Seniors can listen to audiobooks by saying, “Alexa, read my audiobook,” making literature accessible without needing physical books.
Echo Show
The Echo Show features a touchscreen display, adding a visual dimension to Alexa’s capabilities. Seniors can make video calls to family and friends, follow along with recipe videos, and watch news briefings or entertainment content. The device also allows for viewing photos, monitoring compatible security cameras, and displaying weather forecasts, enhancing connectivity and security.
Examples:
- Video Calling: With the built-in screen and camera, seniors can make video calls to family and friends by saying, “Alexa, video call [contact’s name],” maintaining social connections.
- Recipe Assistance: When you request, “Alexa, show me a recipe for chicken soup,” the Echo Show displays step-by-step cooking instructions, aiding meal preparation.
- Security Camera Monitoring: Seniors can view live feeds from compatible security cameras by asking Alexa, “Show me the front door camera,” enhancing home security.