- RetireHub
- Posts
- Rediscovering Your Music Collection Digitally
Rediscovering Your Music Collection Digitally
Trivia: Which planet has a day that is longer than its year?
RetireHub
September 17, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on Rediscovering Your Music Collection Digitally, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🛋 27% OFF – Sweetcrispy Massage Recliner Chair (Adjustable, with Footrest)
Relax in comfort with this plush massage recliner featuring multiple reclining positions, an extendable footrest, and built-in massage functions. Its sturdy frame and soft cushioning make it perfect for reading, napping, or easing tension at the end of the day.
🦜 10% OFF – Hemp Calming Drops for Birds (Parrots, Cockatiels & Finches)
Help your feathered friend stay calm during travel, grooming, thunderstorms, or cage changes with gentle, bird-safe hemp drops. The easy-dose dropper lets you mix a few drops into water or food—supporting relaxation without drowsiness; as always, check with your avian vet for guidance.
⚡ 50% OFF – Greenoak Heated Blanket Throw 50"×60" with 10 Heat Levels & Auto‑Off
Wrap yourself in cozy warmth with this electric throw, featuring 10 adjustable heat settings, a soft flannel/sherpa finish, and an 8‑hour auto‑off safety feature to prevent overheating. Certified safe and made to last, it’s perfect for chilly evenings on the couch, keeping your feet warm at your desk, or gifting someone special a blanket that truly cares.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Jody Weiner "Nick and Nora Charles meet The Lincoln Lawyer in this thrilling, hilarious high-stakes ride." Attorney Archie Krafter doesn’t need anything else on his plate. He’s happily tending to his lovely wife, Lora, proprietor of a small repertory theater, while dodging his mafia in-laws. When NBA superstar Radon Jaalaba goes AWOL from a nationally televised game, Archie is handed the case of his career. |
On this day in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia by delegates at the Constitutional Convention—an event that laid the foundation for U.S. government and law.
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
Hello, Everyone! I must admit, every week I receive more and more email communication from readers, and I am so thrilled to be receiving such thoughtful feedback. This week was extra special as we discussed what we all choose to do with our “free” time. I think you will find these two particular comments especially interesting.
Duane wrote and discussed his volunteering choices and volunteer opportunities. He mentioned that the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (www.kauffmancenter.org) has many opportunities to volunteer. You can usher, be a ticket taker or greeter, or pursue other opportunities with that organization. People can go to their website to find out how to sign up. They have a wonderful volunteer training program. If you are near the Kansas City, MO area, this could be something right up your alley.
In addition, Duane is a member of the East Hill Singers. This is a group of volunteer men from the community who sing with prisoners from Lansing. This has been ongoing on for about 30 years. This organization is in need of singers. Volunteers practice once a month and then give concerts in the KC area. The prisoners join in for the concerts. If you enjoy singing, this is another potentially very rewarding opportunity if you live in that area.
But no matter where you live, those are just a couple of ideas you could research for your particular community. Every community needs YOU!
Then I received the nicest email from Shelly. Shelly’s email really made me think that I may have come off as overwhelmingly promoting volunteer opportunities and possibly slighting the importance of “me” time for members of our readership. Shelly said that now she and her husband are retired, they find joy in being able to fill their days with activities that they enjoy but never had the time for when they were working. They enjoy not having a commitment to be somewhere at a certain time and having days where they could just work on whatever activities they wish to enjoy.
The concern is: Do people judge these choices as being selfish for not spending time volunteering? If this is your choice, are you constantly being asked: “What do you do all day? Aren't you bored?” At this point in our life, “me” time is just as important as any other choice you make. DO NOT feel guilty for wanting to take care of yourself, for wanting to enjoy your time with hobbies, or just wanting to enjoy time with your spouse after years of taking care of others! I totally get it! My husband and I love to travel together… something we could not do when our children were younger and still at home.
As Shelly suggested, there is a vast array of subjects to learn about (nature, gardening, learning a new language, learning to draw/paint/knit, learning to play the piano, trying out new recipes, etc.) Shelly and her husband feel blessed to be able to have this time to themselves. She is curious if others out there feel the same way.
Send me your thoughts because I believe this to be extremely important for our psyche at this point in our lives.
I must say, this week’s interactions from all really made me think. I hope these different points of view make you think about what is important in your life. In addition, remember not to let other people’s opinions influence what is important to you. YOLO (You Only Live Once). Make it count. Every day is a blessing!
For my life experience this week, I would like to share a feel-good story. On my way home from vacation, while my husband and I were walking though the airport to catch our flight, I realized I left my backpack in my Uber driver’s vehicle. I immediately panicked as it held my wallet, money, credit cards, jewelry, identification, my “Donny Osmond commemorative mug”, and everything else I carry in my backpack for safekeeping while traveling. I have never been so shaken up. As my hands were shaking and tears were streaming down my face, I searched the Uber app looking for something that might connect me with my driver, who was long gone. The app had a “lost and found” section. Uber quickly sent a text to my last hired driver. It also had a box to “call driver directly”, which I did. This young man quickly answered and when he heard me start to talk, he interrupted me and said “I found your backpack. I have it.” I asked if it was possible to come back to the airport to meet us. He said he was already on his way back. He returned my backpack without even opening it. Nothing was ruffled through, nothing was missing. We gave him a reward which he did not want to accept, but we insisted.
If you are ever in Las Vegas and come upon a nice young Uber driver named Jorge, say hello from Joanne, the woman who lost her backpack. I am his biggest fan!
In addition, once arriving back to my city, I realized I lost my windbreaker (another souvenir). I never thought I would see that again. Then I heard someone yelling “Did anyone lose a jacket?” I turned around and said “I did”. A nice young man found it and was on his way to lost and found. Thank you, Adam, wherever you are… I told him I would mention him in my column although I am sure he was a little too young to be reading this publication.
This week I have two tasks for you to focus on: (1) Do one thing for someone without expecting anything in return; and (2) do one thing for yourself, just for yourself. Then, tell me your story! Email me at [email protected].
Until next time, where every goodbye is just a promise of a new hello,
Joanne
How Was This Week's Column? |
Rediscovering Your Music Collection Digitally
There’s something magical about hearing a song you haven’t played in years—the first few notes spark a memory, a mood, maybe even a forgotten part of yourself. For many of us, our music collections have followed us through decades of life, from vinyl and cassettes to CDs and MP3s. But in the shuffle of changing formats, it’s easy to lose track of the songs that once filled our homes, road trips, and quiet afternoons.
Now, thanks to digital tools, rediscovering your music collection is easier—and more fun—than ever. Whether you’ve got stacks of CDs tucked in a closet or old playlists on a long-abandoned iPod, you can bring those sounds back into your daily life in just a few steps.
Start with What You Have
Gather your collection, wherever it lives: CDs, old hard drives, even a box of labeled mixtapes. If you still have a CD or cassette player, play a few just for fun—sometimes all it takes is one track to transport you. From there, consider digitizing your favorites. CD-ripping software and USB cassette converters can help you bring those analog gems into the digital age.
Go Digital with Streaming
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music allow you to recreate your old favorites and discover new versions or forgotten artists. Try searching for albums you owned or artists you loved—chances are, they’re available to stream. You can even rebuild nostalgic playlists from memory or explore curated “throwback” mixes designed for your era.
Organize and Enjoy
Once you have a digital collection, make it yours. Create mood-based playlists (e.g., “Morning Jazz” or “Sunday Dinner”), organize songs by decade or genre, or make memory-based collections like “High School Road Trip” or “Songs Dad Loved.”
Share the Experience
Music is meant to be shared. Invite a friend or family member to listen along, or share playlists with loved ones. Some platforms let you collaborate on playlists in real time—a fun way to connect across generations or distances.
In the end, rediscovering your music collection isn’t just about the songs—it’s about the stories, the people, and the memories they carry. And there’s no expiration date on joy, rhythm, or the thrill of hearing a favorite track again.
What format was your first music collection? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How do you most often communicate with friends and family?
Texting takes the crown! A clear majority of you—77%—say you rely on text messages to stay in touch with friends and family. It’s quick, convenient, and keeps everyone just a few taps away. Meanwhile, email and phone calls still hold a meaningful place, with 8% and 7% of the vote, showing that for some, thoughtful notes and the sound of a familiar voice never go out of style. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger came in at 4%, and a small but mighty 3% of you said you connect in your own unique way.
No matter the method, one thing’s clear: staying connected matters—whether it's a smiley face emoji, a heartfelt email, or a good old-fashioned ring.
TOP COMMENTS
“It depends on who I'm reaching out to. Emails often work for some people. I text my children daily. I call my brother and I use social media for friends.”
“I do use all the methods (mostly text) including snail mail. Still love sending and receiving those hand written notes! What fun to receive a card addressed to you in mail. More so if it's just out of the blue!”
“I was stubborn for awhile, insisting on a call, but the texts get the best results. Phone calls bother people. Texts get a quick reply.”
More Fixed Than Stubborn? Why Resisting Change Isn’t Just About Age
We often hear that older people are “set in their ways,” but that idea doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, research and real-life examples suggest that age itself isn’t the main reason someone might resist change — personality, past experience, mindset, and the kind of change involved matter a lot more.
According to the piece “Bogus Belief or Curious Fact? Older People are Resistant to Change,” many older adults bring a toolbox of adaptability built over decades. They’ve lived through massive shifts — in technology, culture, family roles — and often show more resilience in major life transitions than younger people who haven’t had as many practice rounds.
Where resistance does arise, it tends to be around changes that feel like loss, confusion, or things that threaten independence. For example, small changes that require learning new tech or reorganizing familiar routines may feel more frustrating than welcome. On the other hand, changes aligned with values, support, and purpose (for instance, joining a community group, picking up a new hobby) are much easier to welcome.
Ultimately, the article encourages seeing change not as a weakness if it feels difficult, but as an opportunity. By recognizing what kinds of change feel safe—and honoring our own pace and mindset—we can claim more agency. After all, adapting isn’t about keeping up with every trend; it’s about growing in ways that feel meaningful.
Follow us on Social Media!
Join an online community thriving in retirement! Find us on:
Every day we post retirement tips, highlights from our newsletter so you can comment and discuss in the community, and some fun retirement-themed motivation!
Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Bingo Buzz
Meaning: A sudden burst of excitement, luck, or joyful energy—whether sparked by a fun game, a lucky break, or a feel-good moment of connection or surprise.
In a sentence: “Elaine felt a bingo buzz when her name was drawn for the door prize—she hadn’t won anything in years, and the room erupted with cheerful claps.”
Good News of the Day
Joyous Roar: Mexico’s Jaguars on the Rise—30% More in 15 Years
A new national census has revealed some powerful good news: Mexico’s jaguar population has grown by 30% since 2010, rising to about 5,326 big cats from previous estimates of 4,100.
Led by conservationist Gerardo Ceballos and the National Alliance for Jaguar Conservation (ANCJ), the survey used nearly 1,000 motion‑sensor cameras across 15 states—capturing images, tracking habitat zones, and working closely with local communities to map where jaguars are thriving most.
The highest concentrations of these majestic cats are found in the Yucatán peninsula and the southern Pacific region, with smaller but still significant numbers in parts of central and coastal Mexico. While this growth is hopeful, researchers caution that jaguars remain endangered, with habitat loss, road construction, and conflicts with livestock among the key threats still needing urgent action.
Other Publications We Like
Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy!
RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
The famous Terracotta Army — thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried to protect an emperor in the afterlife — was constructed for which ruler? |
Which U.S. newspaper, founded in 1764 as the Connecticut Courant, is commonly recognized as the nation’s oldest continuously published newspaper? |
Which planet has a day that is longer than its year? |
A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.
As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below.
If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day.
If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.
- Jay
**RetireHub may receive affiliate compensation for links clicked within this newsletter.
***RetireHub may share poll results with advertisers.