As a former reporter I love gathering information and once I trust a resource I turn to it again and again. The wonderful thing about the age in which we live is easy and immediate access to information and data. How long has it been since I stepped foot in a physical library? Ages ago, probably when my adult children were in elementary school.
Everyone has their own list of websites, books, media outlets, and podcasts that they rely on day after day. Below are the five resources I turn to time and time again for information, support, and ideas.
Say what you will about social media, but Instagram has been a wonderful resource for me. I use it to find recipes, collect fun home improvement and decorating ideas, and listen to inspiring experts share their insights on health and well-being, art and creativity, fitness, fashion, mental health practices and more. I also have fun swapping cute posts with my children via Instagram messages. Social media platforms can be ugly and dangerous places but I've kept my Instagram feed positive and focused by only following accounts that stay above the noise and manipulative tactics that dominate other platforms. I don't follow major media channels on Instagram in order to keep my feed fluffy and fun. So far it's worked like a charm.
Youtube
I view YouTube as a modern day continuing education community college for anyone who visits. There's a lot of nonsense on Youtube and it takes time to find what you want but it's worth the work. I turn to Youtube for yoga videos, step-by-step tutorials on handy things to know such as how to replace an air filter in a 2019 Subaru Forester, or how to refurbish an old leather traveling trunk. As a writer Youtube has helped me plot scenes, write book proposals, and develop fictional characters.
AARP
So many people I know haven't joined AARP because they say it makes them feel old. I joined when I received my first mailing from them and haven't looked back. The non-profit organization's mission is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life as we age and I think it delivers. The AARP Bulletin, a monthly publication, is jammed with helpful information on finance, retirement, staying engaged, scams to know about, health, travel and more. The publication recently published a story on the recreational use of marijuana and THC gummies, so it's doing a decent job of keeping up with the times. AARP's online community for women 55 and up is called The Ethel, and I follow them on both Instagram and Facebook.
NPR
It's important to know what's going on in the world and I don't want to be accused of putting my head in the sand. I don't, however, want to spend anytime listening to pundits whose mission is to sell ads and whip it's audience into a lather through manipulative tactics and unethical "journalism." That's why I get most, but not all, of my news from NPR. NPR's levelheaded and emotionally mature reporters tell the story from an adult perspective so that I can make up my own mind, thank you very much. The media organization also has loads of fun programming, my favorite being Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! and Science Friday.
Keeping Company with Younger People
My children are probably my most important sources of information because they help me bridge the generation gap and better understand the world from a younger person's perspective. I really believe intergenerational understanding, empathy and dialogue helps us stay young. Working with younger colleagues is not only fun but helps me stay on top of technology trends and other innovations. I enjoy spending time with younger people and I always, always learn from them.
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