Hey all. Had a request from another old mate this morning. He was asking about the easiest way to get his wife (who is suffering from dementia)access to audiobooks. My first thought was an android tablet (with a headphone socket) and an Amazon audible account. It has to be easy to figure out as these guys are in their late 70's early 80's. Can anyone improve on this idea or should I just go with that?
Cheers
Definitely check out the local library offerings.
BTW, why the reference to 'Seniors'? I can understand that some people are not technology-literate, but that isn't necessarily age-related.
FYI the inventor of the internet turned 65 earlier this month; he is probably ok technology-wise, but he is categorised as a 'senior' in the UK.
No it isn't, my oldest guy is in his 90's but he struggles and I've noticed that when people get into their 80's things they were competent with are no longer so easy. Also, as I noted the wife has dementia so there's that too. Will look into library options for them as well. Cheers.
I'm a senior and I'm a big user of audiobooks, but my solution wouldn't work for your mate and his wife.
I rip audiobooks to MP3s, split them into 3 minute segments, equalise the volume, and edit the tags before putting them onto my Sansa Clip+ MP3 player (which is a fantastic device for listening to audio books). Too technical even for a lot of young people.
But what I would recommend is their public library. They normally have a couple of racks loaded with thousands of audiobooks in CD format and MP3 format. You can play the CDs on any CD player, all you have to do is pop them in and press play. I expect a lot of youngsters wouldn't know you can do that, having streamed music all their short lives.
Other bonuses are having a trip out together, and spending time together selecting audiobooks, or maybe browsing printed magazines, or having a cuppa.
If your friends are not up to traveling out, you may find that there is some local service to deliver audiobooks to their home.
Public libraries these days are fantastic, they've reinvented themselves, they're not like the stuffy old places that they used to be (though I loved them like that as well).
Thanks for that. He did say he preferred CD's but I didn't think they were available any more. (And I'm not that young myself. :) )
Ask them to check their local library, mine offers audiobooks for free using Overdrive for members. Not sure what devices support Overdrive audiobooks but I use iPhone, desktop and Kobo Clara to access Overdrive e-books.