Old People - obsessed with watching the news?

I have a theory that once you reach a certain age - 60+ you become more fixated on watching the news because it's the most steady, bland form of TV available.

My dad will watch any news channel for hours at a time, even the 24 hour news channels in Canada that are on 30 minute loops. I just caught him watching the Cantonese news... and we're not even asian.

Originally Posted by FidelCashflow

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I have a theory that before you reach a certain age - 60+ you become more fixated on reading style forum because it's the most steady, bland form of Entertainment available.

Fixed.

We all have our obsessions.

Fixated is possibly the most descriptive word for what we do with TV, because at some point we cease to be engaged with whats on and simply watch, or affix our gaze on it. But your theory may apply only to your father because my dad doesn't watch the news channels but my mother watches the 24 hour news channels all the time. (obviously they watch separate TVs).

This is not to say I disagree with your theory. I would guess it's a valid theory because it stands to reason. The older one gets, the less primetime entertainment is aimed at one. You couldn't pay me to watch Gossip Girl and I'm only maybe 10 years older than it's target demographic.

Is your dad retired?

My dad is.
He told me something pretty sad one time...about getting old.
No one talks to you
No one asks you what you think anymore, or how you feel, or what you like.
Young people are rude
Children won't even look at you, let alone smile
The world discards you, period.

At this point many older people start to take refuge at home.
Walk down any street, and notice the 'peeping heads' behind the curtains of so many many living room windows.
It has been going on for decades in North America, and does anyone even notice.

What is so 'Senior' about our senior citizens?
Do they get the respect they deserve?
Will younger people invite and involve their seniors to their parties & outings?

They become shut-ins if they are not involved.

Todays Seniors, we must remember, were born in the 1920's, 30's 40's & 50's.
Todays 'society' and sub-cultures are truly shocking and offensive and demoralized to a senior.

They watch TV ...to while away the hours, and 'keep up' on current 'events',
but what they want and need more than anything,
is love and involvement.
They need to be asked for their guidance and council from time to time,
and you know what?
Quite often, their advice packs so much wisdom it impresses truly.

Once retired, things slow wayy down, yea,
My dad chose to excersize like an 18 year old,
goes for walks, dresses nicely, and chats up a storm with everyone he comes across.
He will be 83 in July (May God be willing)

I talk with him as much as possible, and involve him in my life, even if his remarks upset me at times, I know it is important to both of us.
My father is from Europe, so Europeans tend to get cranky, but I understand that.

Your father surely would have some interesting stories to tell I bet.
Maybe you can talk about what was it like when he was a young man,
the politics, the clothes, the everything.
man to man talk...I am sure you have already done this and are doing it.

Brother...be with your parents, family every single moment you can.
Every day is such a blessing, as you know
The fact that you are publicly concerned about them,
shows they raised a good and loving son,
and that means they are wonderful people.
The roots are strong,
and the tree grows mighty.

I was about to comment about watching Robin Meade on CNN just to check out her boots, but Nexus's post derailed me.

Is is possible to pin just one post? Cause I would pin Nexus6's post.

Waking up in the morning, getting a coffee buzz and watching the news seems to be the highlight of many old people's day....

^Ranks right up there with the discovery of good, solid morning wood.

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

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^Ranks right up there with the discovery of good, solid morning wood.

...which is helped by Robin Meade in the mornings. The only reason I bother with DirecTV.

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

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^Ranks right up there with the discovery of good, solid morning wood.

I am pretty bad with the news, but I am only 29. I will watch it for hours on end. I just think there is so much crazyness going on right now, I watch it like I watch a train wreck . Then again, I can be pretty depressed about all that is going on in the world right now.....

Originally Posted by jgold47

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I am pretty bad with the news, but I am only 29. I will watch it for hours on end. I just think there is so much crazyness going on right now, I watch it like I watch a train wreck . Then again, I can be pretty depressed about all that is going on in the world right now.....

I am 28 now but I have had the same problem since I was about 23. I check BBC.com, www.watchingamerica.com (great site) and various cable news stations continually. When I am not on the internet or watching TV I usually have NPR on in the background.

What about people that listen to conservative talk radio all day long and start and end their days with FOXNEWZ? It may or may not have to turned a good deal of my family into hollow, angry versions of their former selves devoid of anything interesting to speak about.

I don't know, I never had much in common with Artisan Fan.

well
my dad works, hes 57 this year and he watches the news over and over

Originally Posted by Nexus6

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He told me something pretty sad one time...about getting old.
No one talks to you
No one asks you what you think anymore, or how you feel, or what you like.
Young people are rude
Children won't even look at you, let alone smile
The world discards you, period.

Damn, I thought I would never have to experience high school again.