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7 Music Apps for Women Over 60

By Sandra Roussy August 08, 2024 Lifestyle

Do you like listening to music? Music has never been more accessible than it is now. Streaming music services have practically replaced CDs and other types of music formats. You can listen to all your favorite music from your phone, your tablet, or your computer.

    Ok, these music apps are not only for older women, but I have selected a few that I believe have extensive music selections and that are user-friendly.

    Most have a free version of the service that typically includes ads. I like to pay a monthly subscription and have an ad-free experience. Also, I like to know that the artists are being supported.

    The paid subscription pricing model is taking over the planet now. In 2020, the total sales of physical album copies dropped by a whopping 30%, while paid subscriptions grew 12% from the previous year. Despite the shift in how people listen to music, artists still earn payouts (albeit a lot smaller) from royalties – just like they would from physical copy sales. These streaming platforms pay the artists to put their songs on their library. As a return, the artists will get a certain amount of payouts every time users play their songs.

    Headphonesty

    Top Music Apps

    Spotify

    Spotify

    Spotify is one of the top music streaming apps out there. You can browse the thousands of artists and songs, follow your favorites, and create your own unlimited playlists. You can also share your playlists with friends and follow other Spotify users’ playlists as well. The platform will make suggestions based on your listening preferences to personalize your experience.

    Spotify has a free version that allows you access to almost all the features but that frequently interrupts your listening experience with advertisements. You can try the premium service for 30 days before committing to a monthly subscription.

    Spotify for Android

    Spotify for Apple

    YouTube Music

    YouTube

    YouTube also has a music streaming service that is similar to Spotify. It includes access to thousands of songs, recorded concerts, live events, and artist interviews. You can find practically all your favorite artists and discover lesser-known content creators as well. You can create playlists and share them with fellow YouTube Music subscribers.

    The $10 monthly subscription lets you view videos and listen to music ad-free. Unlike the free version, you can continue to listen to music even when the lock screen on your device activates. Try it out free for 30 days to find out if this is the right music app for you.

    YouTube Music for Android

    YouTube Music for Apple

    iHeartRadio

    iHeartRadio

    Do you like to listen to the radio? Now you can listen to all your favorite stations from your phone, tablet, or computer. Browse the hundreds of stations and create your own station with your favorite songs. You can then select your favorite station as an alarm clock.

    The free version of the service is ad-free, but the paid subscription gives you access to more features and unlimited song skips.

    iHeartRadio for Android

    iHeartRadio for Apple

    Shazam

    Shazam

    Shazam is not technically a music streaming service, but it is unique in that it can identify music that is playing and tells you what it is and who the artist is. If you hear a great song in a store or while watching a movie, you can ask Shazam to tell you what it is.

    You can then create playlists from your saved songs and share them with other users. Turn the app on or off as you wish, but remember that when left on it will be constantly listening for music and identifying it. Also, some songs have the option of displaying the lyrics.

    Shazam for Android

    Shazam for Apple

    Amazon Music

    Amazon Prime

    If you have an Amazon Prime account, you have access to Amazon Music for free. Simply create an account from your Amazon Prime and get access to millions of songs ad-free.

    Amazon Music for Android

    Amazon Music for Apple

    Apple Music

    Apple Music offers a vast library of over 75 million songs. You can stream music, download songs for offline listening, and create your own playlists. The platform also offers curated playlists and radio shows hosted by renowned artists. Apple Music integrates seamlessly with Siri, allowing you to control your music with voice commands.

    The service offers a 3-month free trial, after which it requires a monthly subscription.

    Apple Music for Android

    Apple Music for Apple

    Deezer

    Deezer is another fantastic music streaming service that offers a library of over 56 million tracks. The app allows you to create playlists, discover new music through personalized recommendations, and listen to curated playlists. Deezer’s Flow feature creates a continuous mix of your favorite tracks and new recommendations.

    Deezer offers a free version with ads and a premium version that removes ads and allows offline listening.

    Deezer for Android

    Deezer for Apple

    Benefits of Streaming Music for Women Over 60

    Here are a few benefits of using a music app:

    Accessibility and Convenience

    With music streaming apps, your favorite songs and albums are just a tap away. Whether you’re at home, on a walk, or traveling, you can access a vast library of music without the need for physical media. This convenience is perfect for staying connected to your favorite tunes wherever you go.

    Discovering New Music

    Streaming services often provide personalized recommendations based on your listening habits. This feature makes it easy to discover new artists and genres that you might not have encountered otherwise. The ability to explore new music can keep your listening experience fresh and exciting.

    Creating Personalized Playlists

    Creating playlists tailored to your mood or activity can enhance your listening experience. Whether you need an energizing playlist for a workout, soothing tunes for relaxation, or nostalgic tracks from your past, streaming apps allow you to curate your own musical journey.

    Connecting with Others

    Many music apps offer social features that let you share playlists and songs with friends and family. This can be a great way to connect with loved ones over shared musical interests, sparking conversations and memories associated with favorite tracks.

    Mental and Emotional Well-being

    Listening to music has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing stress, improving mood, and even enhancing cognitive function. For women over 60, incorporating music into daily routines can provide a comforting and uplifting presence.

    Supporting Artists

    Subscribing to premium music services not only enhances your listening experience by removing ads but also supports the artists. Many streaming platforms compensate artists based on the number of streams, so your subscription helps ensure that your favorite musicians continue to create new music.

    Learning and Enrichment

    Music streaming apps often include podcasts, interviews, and educational content about music history and theory. This can be a wonderful way to learn more about the music you love and gain a deeper appreciation for different genres and artists.

    Let’s Have a Conversation:

    Do you listen to streaming music on your phone? Which one is your favorite music app? Do you have any other music streaming apps to suggest to our readers? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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    Jane Coombs

    I love Spotify.usually I input generic requests such as Music for Sping Cleaning, for falling asleep etc. I listened to all the Oscar nominated scores. The Banshees of Inishferin was my fave and I still listen to it. Many authors, such as Susan Cain of Bittersweet have playlists. BTW, on Netflix The Playlist is a great series on the Swedish based inception of Spotify.

    Edrae

    I really enjoy YouTube for music plus many of the documentaries on offer. I have Amazon Music as well through my prime membership. With YouTube I can enjoy music & musicians from rock to classic whatever the mood wants at that time. It’s a bit addictive though and the clock ticks away too quickly some evenings.

    Linda

    I listen to music through my Alexa device. She plays everything I ask of her!

    The Author

    Sandra is a writer, traveler, and former fashion designer who made a bold midlife pivot to pursue her creative passions. After two decades designing collections for brands like La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she let go of her possessions and reimagined her life on her own terms. Her personal essay about love, loss, and facing fears was hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert and featured in the New York Times bestselling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com.

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