Blog

YouTube Can Bring the World Right to Your Living Room

As the air turns crisp and fall settles in, many of us spend more time indoors looking for ways to stay active, entertained, and connected. You don’t have to go far. YouTube can bring the world right to your living room. 

Youtube is the second-most visited website in the world. Billions of videos are uploaded to the site, covering any subject you can think of. With just a few clicks, you can explore new hobbies, travel the globe, or join a gentle exercise class, all without leaving the comfort of your home. And most of us are already using it. According to a study, YouTube is one of the most popular social channels with people of all ages, including 65% of people over the age of 65.  

Here are just a few ways YouTube can bring more color and joy to the season. 

Travel the world from home 

Want to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night or stroll through Yellowstone National Park? Travel channels on YouTube let you experience the sights and sounds of destinations around the globe. Consider hosting a “travel night,” where you and your friends in independent living can watch a destination video together, share stories, and enjoy themed snacks. It’s a fun way to connect while exploring places you’ve always dreamed of. Cambridge Development & Alumni Relations has a series of Armchair Travel videos to take you anywhere from Iceland to Japan. 

Stay active with at-home workouts 

Cooler weather can make outdoor walks tricky, but YouTube offers endless exercise options. From chair yoga to tai chi to light strength training, you’ll find routines tailored for all ability levels. The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends older adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, and these videos can help you reach that goal safely at home. Silver Sneakers has many at-home workouts to try out.  

Learn something new 

Studies show that lifelong learning keeps the brain sharp and spirits high. On YouTube, you’ll find free lessons in painting, cooking, gardening, music, and more. Some universities upload full lectures and lessons so you can learn at home.  

Cozy up with movies and shows 

YouTube also has free full-length movies and classic TV episodes—perfect for cozy fall evenings. Pop some popcorn, invite a neighbor over, and enjoy an old favorite together. 

Getting started is simple 

If you’re new to YouTube, here’s how to dive in: 

1. Open the YouTube application on a computer, smartphone, or smart TV or navigate to www.youtube.com in a web browser. 
2. Use the search bar to type what you’re looking for, such as “chair yoga for seniors.” 
3. Click the video you want to watch. 
4. Turn on closed captioning (the “CC” button) for a more accessible viewing experience. 
5. Click the box in the lower corner to enlarge the video to full screen. 

Healthy aging through connection 

Watching YouTube can be more than just entertainment. Staying active, learning new things, and connecting with others improve both physical and mental well-being. YouTube offers an easy way to build those habits into your daily life, especially as the seasons shift. 

At Charlesgate, we encourage residents to explore new ways to stay engaged, whether it’s watching a travel video together, trying an exercise routine, or sharing a favorite cooking channel. After all, YouTube can bring the world to your living room. Sometimes that’s exactly what we need.