Audiobooks offer seniors a great way to stay entertained, engaged, and mentally stimulated, especially for those who find reading print books challenging. Whether enjoying a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming memoir, or a classic novel, listening to stories can spark joy, improve mood, and even spark meaningful conversations.
For older adults with vision difficulties, limited mobility, or cognitive changes, audiobooks provide an accessible and enjoyable alternative to traditional reading.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of audiobooks for seniors and share tips for finding the perfect listens to suit their interests and needs.
Reading Engages the Minds of Aging Adults
Audio books make reading accessible to everyone, including seniors with low vision or limited physical ability.
Hearing a book on tape is a great way to engage your loved one and doesn’t require much energy.
And an imaginative story, historical tale, or exciting mystery can transport them to another world.
Reading also benefits older adults in other ways. It can improve memory, sharpen decision-making skills, reduce stress, improve sleep, and delay cognitive decline.
Listening to books on tape, CD, or MP3 means that picking up a physical book is no longer necessary to enjoy reading.
We explain how audiobooks work and where to find them, including two free sources.
Books on Tape Are a Great Alternative to Reading
Because eyesight naturally declines with age, seniors may find it tiring to read on their own.
Some people could have impaired vision or be unable to hold a physical book.
Plus, many people enjoy hearing books read aloud.
A great solution is to use books on tape, also called audiobooks. These books are read out loud, typically by a professional “reader.”
In addition to the books themselves, all that’s needed is a CD player or a simple MP3 player to play the audio files.
3 Great Ways to Get Books on Tape (2 are free)
1. Free books on tape from the public library
Local public libraries now lend books on tape or CD like other library materials.
Talk with a librarian to learn how to borrow books on tape from the library. Many libraries also offer online services that allow you to download audiobooks in MP3 format.
If your older adult is vision-impaired, they may also be eligible for the National Library Service’s free braille and talking book library service.
2. Free books online on LibriVox
LibriVox is a free service that makes public domain books (books with expired copyright) available in an audio format.
Non-professional speakers make the recordings, and volunteers run the service.
You may need to search a bit, but plenty of classics and hidden gems are available.
3. Buy Audiobooks Through Audible or Audiobooks
Buying audiobooks is the way to go for the latest bestsellers or books you can’t find at the library or LibriVox.
Audible (an Amazon company) and Audiobooks.com are two big companies that sell audiobooks.
The books are downloaded and played from computers, smartphones, and tablet apps.
Each service offers a free trial that lets you download books for free. That gives you a chance to test out the services before you commit.
After the free trial period, both Audible and Audible charge a monthly subscription fee for a certain number of audiobooks per month.
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
Librivox is a great way to listen to classics and enjoy re-reading beloved stories, which can be particularly beneficial for those who relate more to the past. Ask someone their favorite book from childhood and watch their eyes grow wistful with fond remembrance. Anne of Green Gables, Sherlock Holmes, Huck Finn, Black Beauty…
Some books have been recorded more than once by different people. You can listen to any part of the book before downloading to check narration style. I have a list of favorite narrators but it’s fun to explore.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Librivox and for the wonderful nostalgic suggestions!