The Easiest Way to Keep Up With the News — RSS Readers
If you’ve ever wished you could keep up with the news without wading through ads, clickbait, and endless scrolling, there’s an old-school tech solution that still works beautifully today: the RSS reader.
It’s been around since before social media, but here’s the thing — once you set it up, it becomes your personal, clutter-free newspaper. And for those of us over 55, it’s one of the best ways to stay informed without feeling like you live on your phone.
What is an RSS Reader?
Think of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) as a magic delivery service for the internet.
• You choose the news sites, blogs, or podcasts you like.
• The RSS reader automatically brings their latest updates into one clean, simple feed.
• No ads, no algorithms, no “suggested” junk you didn’t ask for.
It’s like having your own front porch where only the publications you care about drop by.
Why It’s Perfect for People Over 55
1. One Place for Everything – No more hopping from site to site or opening 12 browser tabs.
2. Ad-Free and Calm – RSS strips out the noise, so articles load fast and distraction-free.
3. Control – You decide what’s in your feed — not Facebook, not Google, not “trending” lists.
4. Works on All Devices – Read on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — and pick up where you left off.
5. Time-Saver – A few minutes a day keeps you fully caught up.
Getting Started in 3 Easy Steps
1. Pick an RSS Reader App
• Reeder (Mac, iPhone, iPad — elegant and easy)
• NetNewsWire (free, open-source, very beginner-friendly)
• Feedly (great if you want to read on any device, even non-Apple)
2. Find Feeds You Love
• Visit your favorite news or hobby site, scroll down, and look for the orange RSS icon or “Subscribe” link.
• Copy the link into your reader app.
3. Enjoy Your Custom Newspaper
• Open your RSS app, see all your updates in one place, and read without the noise.
Extra Tip — Go Beyond News
RSS readers aren’t just for newspapers. You can follow:
• Apple tips and tech blogs (to keep your devices running smoothly)
• Recipe sites
• Travel blogs
• Local events calendars
• Even YouTube channels
Why I Recommend It to My Clients
In my tech support work with people over 55 here in Orange County, I’ve seen how freeing it is when clients stop chasing information and let the information come to them. RSS is “set it and forget it” — the kind of tech that actually works for you, instead of pulling you in.
Bottom Line:
If you want the news without the noise, RSS readers are still the best. Once you set yours up, you can enjoy the calm of a personalized, ad-free news feed every day — all without the scrolling circus.
