Podcasts for Seniors: 40 Inspiring Shows You’ll Love
Podcasts have become quite popular these days, and it’s not just a “young folks” thing anymore. Podcasts have made their way into the lives of seniors, offering a fresh way to stay entertained, informed, and connected.
The beauty of podcasts is their versatility—you can listen while you’re cooking, gardening, out on your morning walk, or even just relaxing with a cup of tea.
Podcasts are great for seniors for a variety of reasons—one of the biggest being that most are completely free! With just a smartphone or a tablet and a decent internet connection, you can open up a world of stories, news, and even some good laughs.
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Benefits of Podcasts for Seniors
Podcasts offer a variety of benefits for seniors. Here are a few.
Mental Stimulation and Lifelong Learning
Remember that set of encyclopedias in your childhood home? It felt like we had a wealth of knowledge right at our fingertips. Podcasts are like that…a million times over!
Podcasts are like a treasure chest of knowledge and stories, perfect for keeping your mind sharp. They cover a wide range of topics—everything from history and science to health and personal development.
Listening to podcasts is about more than just learning new facts; it’s about keeping your curiosity alive. For seniors, this kind of mental stimulation is invaluable. It’s like being in a lifelong classroom where you’re free to explore whatever catches your fancy.
Social Connection and Entertainment
Beyond the learning aspect, podcasts offer a sense of social connection. Listening to a podcast can make you feel like you’re sitting in on a chat between friends, especially when the hosts share real stories or discuss their daily lives.
Two of our team members, Vickie and Larissa, have their own podcast called Vegetarian Zen. They regularly have members of their community tell them that listening to the show makes them feel like they’re part of a conversation between friends.
For folks who live alone, podcasts can be comforting—it’s like having company, even if it’s just voices in the room.
There’s also the sheer entertainment value. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, or even true crime, there’s something out there for everyone. Some shows are like mini radio plays, transporting you to different worlds and stories. It’s a fun escape, perfect for any time you just want to unwind.
Easy Accessibility
One of the best things about podcasts is how easy they are to access. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get started. With a reliable internet connection and a simple podcast app like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, you’re set. Most apps are pretty user-friendly and you can find almost any topic you’re interested in with just a few taps.
Getting Started with Podcast Apps
Podcasts can be a game-changer for seniors, providing mental stimulation, a sense of community, and a whole lot of entertainment, all without needing much more than a phone and some earbuds.
Choosing the Right App
The first step to getting into the world of podcasts is picking a good podcast app. There are plenty to choose from, but some are definitely more user-friendly than others. If you’re using an iPhone, Apple Podcasts is a solid choice—it’s already built into the phone so there’s nothing extra to download.
For Android users, Podcast Addict is a great option. It’s simple and straightforward, with a neat layout that’s not too cluttered. Then there’s Amazon Music, which not only lets you stream music but also offers a pretty decent selection of podcasts.
There are quite few options to choose from (some paid and some free). This article from PC Magazine will provide you with some choices based on your needs.
Setting up a podcast app is usually pretty simple. For example, although opening the Apple Podcasts app for the first time might feel a bit like walking into a bookstore with thousands of titles on display, don’t worry—most apps have a search function, so you can start by typing in a topic or a podcast name that interests you.
Once you find a show you like, just hit the “Subscribe” button. This way, new episodes will automatically appear in your library as they’re released. No more missing out on your favorite podcasts! Most apps also let you download episodes for offline listening, which is handy if you’re going somewhere without an internet connection.
Using Voice Assistants
If navigating an app feels a bit too much at first, voice assistants can be a lifesaver. Got an Amazon Alexa? Just ask it to play a podcast for you. You could say, “Alexa, play This American Life,” and it’ll start right up. No fiddling with screens or menus.
One little tip, though: when using voice commands, try to be as specific as possible. Alexa can sometimes get confused if there are similar-sounding podcast names, and you might end up with something entirely different than what you were expecting.
With these simple steps, getting started with podcasts is easier than you might think. It’s just about finding the right app, getting familiar with the basics, and knowing there’s always a way to make it simpler if you need to. Before you know it, you’ll have a library full of shows just waiting to be explored.
Top Podcast Recommendations for Seniors
Ready to discover your next favorite podcast? Here are a few of our top recommendations organized by category.
Educational and Informative Podcasts
- Freakonomics Radio: Explores quirky aspects of economic principles and decision-making in everyday life.
- This American Life: A classic, offering extraordinary life experiences and engaging stories on a different theme each week.
- TED Radio Hour: Brings TED Talks to your ears, each episode focusing on a single topic like creativity, love, or success in each episode.
- Stuff You Should Know: Explains how things work, from the mundane to the bizarre, in an entertaining and informative way.
- Science Vs: Breaks down controversial topics with facts and science, perfect for those who love a bit of myth-busting.
- Revisionist History: Malcolm Gladwell re-examines events, ideas, and people from the past with a fresh perspective.
Entertainment and Storytelling
- Lux Radio Theatre: Classic radio dramas that bring back the golden age of radio, featuring adaptations of films and books.
- Relic Radio: Another gem for fans of old-time radio, offering a mix of mysteries, comedies, and thrillers from the past.
- S-Town: A fascinating, true-life story that delves into the mysteries of a small Alabama town.
- The Moth: Real people telling real stories, live on stage, with a focus on the art of storytelling.
- Snap Judgment: Combines storytelling with a bit of drama, music, and an edge-of-your-seat style.
- LeVar Burton Reads: The former Reading Rainbow host reads short stories, bringing literature to life with his expressive voice.
- Criminal: Tells stories of crime, but not always the kind you’d expect—some are bizarre, some are heartwarming.
Money and Finance
- Planet Money: Explains the complexities of the economy in an easy-to-understand way, using engaging stories and simple explanations.
- Retirement Answer Man: Hosted by Roger Whitney, this podcast dives into the intricacies of retirement planning. It covers everything from investment strategies to lifestyle changes, specifically tailored to those nearing or in retirement.
- The Clark Howard Podcast: While not speaking exclusively to seniors, Clark Howard provides advice on smart spending, saving, and investing, with a focus on practical tips for living on a fixed income and making the most out of retirement funds.
- The Retirement and IRA Show: Hosts Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein discuss topics related to retirement planning, including Social Security, healthcare costs, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies from retirement accounts. It’s designed to help seniors make informed decisions about their finances in retirement.
Health and Wellness
- Tara Brach: Offers guided meditations and talks on mental health, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
- Aging Matters: This podcast discusses various aspects of aging, including health, wellness, financial planning, and caregiving.
- The Happiness Lab: Explores the science of happiness and provides tips on how to find more joy in your life.
- Ten Percent Happier: Offers practical advice on meditation and mindfulness, helping you find a bit of peace in your day.
- A Mindful Moment: Provides short, guided meditations and tips for bringing mindfulness into your daily routine.
- The Art of Aging: Focuses on topics related to healthy aging, including physical fitness, mental health, and maintaining an active lifestyle in later years.
- Aging in Full Bloom: Covers various aspects of aging gracefully, from physical health to mental well-being, and includes interviews with experts on senior health.
Short and Sweet
- The Daily: Gives you a quick rundown of the biggest news story of the day in just 20 minutes.
- Up First: NPR’s morning news podcast that provides the day’s top stories in a digestible format.
- The Indicator from Planet Money: Explores work, business, and the economy in short, engaging episodes.
- The Good News Podcast: A daily dose of positive news stories from around the world. Each episode is just a few minutes long, offering an uplifting break in the day with feel-good stories that are perfect for seniors wanting a quick pick-me-up.
- 60-Second Retirement Tip: Hosted by Ashley Micciche, this podcast offers quick, one-minute tips on retirement planning. It’s perfect for seniors who want concise, actionable advice on managing their finances, Social Security, and retirement lifestyle.
News and Current Events
- BBC Global News Podcast: Delivers a concise summary of international news, perfect for staying informed about the world.
- The Journal: A daily news podcast from The Wall Street Journal, providing insights into the day’s major stories.
- The NPR Politics Podcast: Covers the latest political news and analysis, offering a clear view of what’s happening in Washington.
- The Daily Zeitgeist: Provides a comedic take on the news and current events, perfect for those who want a lighter, yet informative listen.
- The World Next Week: Offers insights into global events and international relations, helping you stay informed about what’s happening around the globe.
History and Nostalgia
- You Must Remember This: A podcast that explores the secret and forgotten history of Hollywood’s first century. Perfect for seniors who love classic films and want to dive into the stories behind them.
- The Memory Palace: Offers short episodes that tell little-known historical stories. It’s a great option for those who enjoy history presented in a brief, narrative format.
Arts and Culture
- Desert Island Discs: A BBC classic where guests, including celebrities and public figures, choose their favorite records they’d take to a desert island. It’s a lovely blend of music and personal storytelling, which can be especially nostalgic and entertaining.
- ArtCurious: Explores the unexpected, the slightly odd, and the strangely wonderful in art history, perfect for those who love learning about the arts in a fun and engaging way.
Travel and Adventure
- The Amateur Traveler: While not specifically for seniors, this podcast offers travel tips, destinations, and stories from travelers around the world. It’s great for seniors who love to travel or enjoy hearing about different places.
- Travel with Rick Steves: Renowned travel expert Rick Steves discusses travel destinations, culture, and practical tips. It’s perfect for seniors who are looking to explore new places or reminisce about past travels.
Bonus recommendation: Even though his show isn’t currently being produced, I want to recommend the Grey Matters podcast by Steve Dotto. I was privileged to be interviewed by Steve in episode 60 of his podcast. All episodes, including mine, are still available to listen to but it appears he’s halted production of any new episodes.
This list offers a wide range of options, whether you’re into deep dives into the human psyche, curious about the latest news, or simply looking for a good story to keep you entertained. Give a few of these a try, and you’ll soon find yourself eagerly awaiting the next episode!
Tips for Enhancing Your Podcast Listening Experience
Here are a few tips to help you have even MORE fun listening to podcasts.
Create a Listening Routine
Finding the right time to listen to your favorite podcasts can make the experience even better. Maybe you listen to a weekly podcast while you’re enjoying your morning coffee or during an evening walk.
Vickie, on our team, saves some of her favorite episodes and listens while she cleans her house. It’s become her little ritual, something she looks forward to every week. Setting up a routine helps make podcast listening a regular part of your life without feeling like a chore.
Use Interactive Features
Some podcasts offer interactive quizzes or have online forums where you can engage with other listeners. For example, Freakonomics Radio sometimes includes quizzes about the topics they discuss, adding a fun, interactive element.
Engaging with these features can make listening more enjoyable and help you feel like you’re part of a larger community. It’s also a great way to test how much you’ve learned or remember from each episode.
Customize Your Experience
Most podcast apps come with features that allow you to tailor the experience to your liking. Here are a few tips to make the most of them:
Playback Speed
If you find some hosts talk a bit too fast or slow, adjust the playback speed. You can usually speed up or slow down the audio to match your preferred pace.
Sleep Timers
Some apps have sleep timers, which are great if you like to fall asleep listening to a podcast. Set the timer, and the app will automatically stop after a certain period.
Create Playlists
Organize your favorite episodes into playlists. This way, you can have a mix of different topics ready for a long drive or when you have some free time.
Connect with Others
Podcasts can be great conversation starters. Whether with family, friends, or new acquaintances, discussing your favorite shows is a fun way to connect. You might even find a local group or online community dedicated to discussing certain podcasts or genres.
These communities can offer social connection and bring a sense of belonging, especially if you’re into hot topics or specific subjects like history, health, or storytelling. Plus, it’s always exciting to share recommendations and hear what others are listening to.
Explore New Genres
Don’t be afraid to explore outside your usual interests. Podcasts cover an array of topics, so trying out different genres can lead to surprising discoveries. Maybe you usually stick to true crime but decide to give a comedy show a chance, or you typically listen to news but try out a fictional drama for a change.
Broadening your listening habits can make the podcast experience even richer and more enjoyable.
Keep an Ear Out for Series
Some podcasts are serialized, meaning they tell a story over multiple episodes. This can be a fantastic way to get deeply immersed in a topic or narrative. Shows like S-Town or Serial are perfect examples where the story unfolds piece by piece, keeping you hooked until the end. They’re like the audio version of a binge-worthy TV series.
With these tips, you can make your podcast listening experience even more engaging and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, explore new topics, or just make the most of your favorite shows, there’s a lot you can do to enhance how you enjoy podcasts.
Common Questions About Podcasts for Seniors
When starting with podcasts, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal! Here are some of the most common questions people have, along with helpful answers to get you started.
How Do I Find New Podcasts?
Finding new podcasts is easier than you might think. Most podcast apps have a “Browse” or “Discover” section where they recommend shows based on categories like true crime, history, or health.
You can also search for specific topics or keywords that interest you. Another great way to find new shows is through word-of-mouth—ask friends or family what they’re listening to. Websites and apps often curate lists of top-rated podcasts, so checking out those lists can give you some solid recommendations.
What If I Don’t Have a Reliable Internet Connection?
One of the great things about podcasts is that you can download episodes when you have an internet connection and listen to them offline. Most podcast apps allow you to download episodes directly to your device.
Just find the episode you want to hear and look for the download option. This way, you can enjoy your podcasts even if you’re somewhere with a weak signal or no internet at all.
Can I Listen to Podcasts Without a Smartphone?
Absolutely! While smartphones make it easy to listen to podcasts on the go, they’re not the only option. You can also listen through a computer or tablet by visiting a podcast’s website or using an app.
If you have a smart speaker like Amazon Alexa, you can ask it to play your favorite podcasts. Just say something like, “Alexa, play the latest episode of This American Life,” and you’re good to go.
Are There Podcasts for Specific Interests Like Health Issues or Hobbies?
Yes, there are podcasts on just about every topic you can think of. If you’re interested in health issues, there are shows focusing on mental health, hormonal issues, and even survival stories of those dealing with life-changing illnesses.
If you have a hobby like gardening, cooking, or crafting, there’s likely a podcast out there for you as well. Shows like the Tara Brach Podcast offer practical advice on mindfulness, while others like The Happiness Lab focus on well-being and happiness. It’s just a matter of searching for the right terms in your app.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Up with New Episodes?
Subscribing to a podcast is the easiest way to stay up-to-date. When you subscribe, new episodes will automatically appear in your library, and you can even set notifications to alert you when there’s a new release.
If you’re not sure you’ll like a show yet, you can simply add a few episodes to your playlist and see how it goes before committing.
Can I Listen with Someone Else?
Listening to podcasts can be a great shared experience. You can play them on a speaker while cooking dinner, during a road trip, or even during family gatherings. Some people even create “listening clubs” where they listen to an episode separately and then meet up to discuss it. It’s a fun way to engage with others and get different perspectives on what you’ve heard.
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