Caring for an elderly parent can be hard, particularly if they’re blind or have difficulty concentrating on reading. And when they lead a sedentary lifestyle, it can sometimes pose a challenge to keep their mind busy and body moving. That’s why we’re fans of audiobooks and podcasts, contemporary versions of books on tape.
They’re a wonderful way to keep our parents engaged, giving them the chance to listen to their favorite childhood books, or learn more about historic events of interest to them. Audiobooks are especially good for those with vision problems and people struggling to read. (A word of advice: download the book ahead of time, then set it up so it’s ready to go. Parents with vision problems will need you to point out the Play and Pause buttons.)
Below we’ve listed some of our favorite titles for the elderly, all of which are easy to download to a desktop computer or tablet.
Go Set a Watchman
Amazon offers an audible free trial
The manuscript to Harper Lee’s novel wasn’t discovered until the end 2014, and it’s a wonderful companion to her classic To Kill a Mockingbird, a pivotal book of our parents’ (and our own) generation. Narrated by actress Reese Witherspoon, it features many of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, and casts an interesting light on this classic novel.
The Price of Valor
Amazon offers an audible free trial
David A. Smith’s book is a must-read for elderly parents who served in World War II, or anyone who’s a history buff. Narrated by Tom Perkins, this book takes a look at the life of a 17-year-old who was so determined to beat the Nazi regime, he forged his birth certificate to say he was 18 so he could enlist right away. He was ultimately successful in his attempts to keep the German army at bay at the Battle of Colmar Pocket, and became the most decorated hero of WW II.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Amazon offers an audible free trial
This is an outstanding book for all generations (our editor’s 87-year-old mother loved it, as did a 12-year-old nephew). Writer Bill Bryson (In a Sunburned Country, A Walk in the Woods…and so many more) does a most unusual and effective thing: he takes highly complex scientific terms (remember high school chemistry class?) and explains them in easy-to-understand terms that make them utterly fascinating. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in earth science, history and evolution. Worthwhile narration by Richard Matthews.
Murder on the Orient Express
Amazon offers an audible free trial
You really can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie. This is a classic that deserves to be re-read (or re-listened to). If you’ve forgotten the story, it centers around a murder that takes place on a snowbound train (the Orient Express). It’s up to detective Hercule Poirot to find out who the real assassin in, and he’s got a fantastic list of colorful characters on board to choose from. Narrated by Dan Stevens, this is an easy listen for elderly people who enjoy thrillers and murder mysteries.
The Four Agreements
Amazon offers an audible free trial
We believe people aren’t too old to change their point of view, even our aging parents. If mom or dad likes Eckhart Tolle, give don Miguel Ruiz’s classic a spin. Narrated by Peter Coyote, this aubiobook explores the self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.
