Psychology says people who keep the TV on in the background even when they're not watching it display these 7 traits—and for people over 65, the reason is almost never about entertainment

Ever notice how quiet a house feels when the TV isn't on?

I became acutely aware of this when I helped my parents downsize last year. Walking through their home, the television was constantly humming in the background, even when they were in completely different rooms.

My dad would be tinkering in the garage while CNN played to an empty living room. My mom would be cooking dinner with the Food Network chattering away, though she never once glanced at the screen.

This got me thinking about all the homes I visit where the TV serves as a kind of electronic wallpaper. And according to psychology research, this habit reveals fascinating insights about our personalities and needs. For those over 65, like my parents, the reasons run much deeper than simple entertainment.

1) They crave constant stimulation

Some people find complete silence uncomfortable, almost unsettling. If you're someone who immediately reaches for the remote when you walk in the door, you might be wired for higher levels of sensory input.

I noticed this in myself during my financial analyst days. The trading floor was chaos, phones ringing, people shouting, screens flashing. When I first started working from home as a writer, the silence felt oppressive. I'd turn on the TV just to recreate that busy atmosphere.

People who need this constant stimulation often struggle with mindfulness or being present. The background noise becomes a buffer against their own thoughts. For older adults, this tendency can intensify as they face more time alone and fewer daily activities to occupy their minds.

2) They fear being alone with their thoughts

Here's a tough question: when was the last time you sat in complete silence without reaching for your phone, turning on music, or flipping on the TV?

The television can become a shield against uncomfortable emotions or memories. I see this pattern frequently in people dealing with anxiety, grief, or major life transitions. The constant chatter provides a distraction from inner dialogue they'd rather avoid.

For seniors, this avoidance can be particularly pronounced. They might be processing health concerns, loss of friends, or fears about the future. The TV becomes a companion that never asks difficult questions or demands emotional engagement.

3) They struggle with transitions

Do you leave the TV on while getting ready for work? Keep it playing while you cook dinner?

People who maintain background TV often have difficulty shifting between activities. The continuous sound creates a bridge between tasks, making transitions feel less abrupt. It's like having training wheels for your daily routine.

Linda Wasmer Andrews, a health writer, notes that "In many homes, a television playing in the background is the soundtrack for everyday life." This soundtrack helps some people maintain momentum throughout their day, though it can also prevent them from fully engaging with any single activity.

4) They have difficulty with silence and stillness

Silence can feel like pressure for some people. Without background noise, they become hyperaware of every little sound: the clock ticking, the refrigerator humming, the neighbor's dog barking.

This sensitivity to silence often reflects deeper discomfort with stillness in general. These individuals might fidget in waiting rooms, feel antsy during meditation, or struggle to relax without some form of distraction.

For older adults, silence can also amplify physical discomforts like tinnitus or make them more aware of being alone in the house. The TV masks these uncomfortable realities.

5) They seek passive companionship

Sometimes the TV serves as a presence without demands. Unlike real relationships, it doesn't require reciprocation, emotional energy, or even attention. You can zone out, walk away, or completely ignore it without consequences.

Research from ScienceDirect found that adults aged over 65 spent threefold more waking time watching TV than young adults. While some of this is active viewing, much of it serves as background companionship.

After my father's heart attack at 68, I watched him lean more heavily on the TV for company during recovery. It filled the space when visitors weren't there, providing voices and activity without taxing his limited energy.

6) They have reduced cognitive flexibility

Here's something that might surprise you: keeping the TV on constantly might actually be affecting your mental sharpness.

People who rely heavily on background TV often show signs of reduced cognitive flexibility. They might struggle to focus without the familiar noise or find it harder to adapt to new environments. The constant partial attention required by background TV can fragment concentration over time.

Scientific Reports published findings showing that watching television for more than 3.5 hours per day is associated with poorer verbal memory six years later. While this research focused on active viewing, the cognitive impact of constant background TV deserves consideration too.

7) They're managing loneliness through ambient noise

This might be the most poignant trait, especially for older adults. The TV creates an illusion of activity and presence in otherwise quiet homes.

When children move away, spouses pass on, or mobility limits social connections, the television becomes a lifeline to the outside world. The voices provide comfort, even when the content itself holds little interest.

I remember finding my mom watching a cooking show she'd seen dozens of times. When I asked why she didn't change the channel, she said, "Oh, I'm not really watching. I just like having them there." The familiar voices of TV personalities had become like old friends dropping by for a visit.

For many seniors, admitting to loneliness feels like weakness or burden. The TV offers companionship without the vulnerability of asking for human connection.

The bottom line

If you recognize yourself or loved ones in these traits, you're certainly not alone. The background TV habit touches millions of homes, serving needs we might not even consciously recognize.

For those under 65, consider what the constant noise might be masking. Are you avoiding something? Missing opportunities for genuine quiet and reflection? The TV itself isn't the problem, but understanding why we need it on can reveal important insights about our emotional landscape.

For older adults, the background TV often fills genuine social and emotional needs. Instead of simply turning it off, we might ask: what other forms of connection and stimulation could enrich their days? Maybe it's time for that phone call, visit, or new activity that provides real engagement rather than electronic substitution.

Next time you reach for that remote, pause for just a moment. Ask yourself what you're really looking for. Sometimes the answer isn't entertainment at all.