> as I get older, I find that I have less energy for reading,
As I get older (50 now), I have 0 patience for anything else than reading; it's much faster than listening and rereading stuff I didn't get the first time is easier and faster. I listen to stuff (including zoom/calls) to stuff that doesn't hold much importance/value; maybe it triggers something, then I go read about it instead.
I think people have different definitions of "reading":
- Skimming: In my day job this is 95% of "reading". I think this is unavoidable, since (even if the material is well written) there's very little chance that two consumers need the same information. In papers I read the abstract, jump to the conclusions, maybe go back to the intro if I'm confused, or check out the methods if that's what matters to me. I get frustrated with any medium where skimming isn't possible, and similar when search isn't possible.
- Reading as in reading a book: this is more for fun or to cool down. Video / podcast seems like a drop-in replacement here. I don't read HN this way. Does anyone?
I think people who create content should be aware of this dichotomy. If you are communicating with experts, make sure your information is well structured. If you are writing literature focus more on the flow.
> I don't read HN this way. Does anyone?
I skim HN, when I like something, I dive in & read it carefully and sometimes even implement it. The rest is just chewing gum; nice maybe but not serious.
Actually, I used to love reading, but the last years I've felt exactly like I had no energy to read any more, and have switched to audiobooks and podcasts. I then checked my eyes, and it turns out I need glasses. So as you get older, check your eyes!
I have had glasses since I was 7... A year after my father brought home a 'portable computer' (luggable) [0] with a tiny monochrome screen. Not sure if that was related, but I guess it could be as the screen was very tiny (see pic below).
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_1
Very retro cool though, destroying your eyes in style!
Apparently, has no patience for writing too...;p
But he… what? :)