Over the last few years, podcasts have become a go-to source of entertainment, education, and inspiration. They’re the radio shows of the modern era, offering an array of topics suitable for every interest and age group. Listening to the best podcasts for seniors can help you pass the time, learn something new, or enjoy the art of storytelling.
Podcasts are more than entertainment, however. They’re also an excellent tool for cognitive stimulation and offer the convenience of on-the-go listening, so whether you’re relaxing at home or out for a stroll, your (new) favorite show is just a tap away.
Top Podcasts for Seniors
So many podcasts are available that it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best podcasts for seniors below, broken out by category.
News and Current Events
- The Daily: This podcast offers in-depth reporting on top news stories from The New York Times.
- Up First: Another great daily news podcast, this one from NPR, with a focus on the top three news stories of the day.
- Apple News Today: Updated each weekday, Apple News Today gives you a quick news update in about 10 minutes.
Health and Aging
- Better Health While Aging: Hosted by a physician, this podcast covers a wide range of health topics relevant to seniors.
- Boomers Today: This podcast focuses on aging-related issues like retirement planning, Medicare, and caregiving.
Entertainment
- Car Talk: Whether you’re a car guy (or gal) or not, this long-running auto-mechanic podcast is a must-listen for laughs and insight.
- Excuse My Grandma: A grandmother-granddaughter duo hosts this podcast and discusses generational differences on hot topics.
Education and Learning
- Stuff You Should Know: This podcast covers a wide range of topics, from history to science to cooking.
- Hidden Brain: This podcast covers various issues with a combination of science and narrative to reveal the subconscious patterns that shape our behavior.
- Stuff You Missed in History Class: Take a deep dive into the most extraordinary and bizarre elements of history that you likely didn’t learn in school.
Relaxation and Meditation
- Sleepy: This podcast features classic stories read by host Otis Gray to help you fall asleep.
- Meditative Story: Each episode of this podcast features a story told by a guest, accompanied by music and meditation prompts.
- Radio Headspace: Take a brief respite from the noise and chatter of daily life to pause, reflect, and contemplate what truly matters.
Navigating Podcast Technology
Podcasts are a great way to stay informed, entertained, and engaged in the world around you. However, the technology can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to access your favorite podcasts:
Podcast Apps and Platforms
Different podcast apps and platforms have unique features. Some popular options include Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Audible. These apps allow you to easily search for and subscribe to your favorite podcasts and download episodes for offline listening.
How to Access and Subscribe to Podcasts
To access and subscribe to podcasts, you’ll first need a smartphone or other device that can connect to the internet. Then, you can download a podcast app or use a built-in app like Apple Podcasts.
From there, you can search for podcasts by name, topic, or host. Once you find a podcast you like, you can subscribe so you can automatically see new episodes in your library without having to perform another search.
Accessibility Settings
Most audio programs offer accessibility settings that can make listening easier for seniors. For example, you can adjust playback speed, use larger fonts if you’re reading transcripts while listening, or increase the contrast on the screen. These features can help you stay engaged with the content and make the listening experience more comfortable.
Enhance Your Podcast Experience
Creating a comfortable listening environment is essential to enjoying your favorite podcasts and can help enhance your experience.
Use headphones: Headphones can help you focus on the content and block out any external noise.
Find a quiet space: Choose a quiet space where you can listen to your podcasts without any distractions.
Connect to a reliable internet connection: A reliable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted listening.
Engage with the community: Many podcasts have online communities where you can engage with other listeners and discuss the content.
Use playback controls: Playback controls can help you pause, rewind, or fast-forward through content.
Check for personalized recommendations: Many apps offer customized recommendations based on your listening history. Use these recommendations to discover new content to enjoy.
Enjoy Your Podcasts at Lighthouse
Podcasts can transport you to different cultures, open your mind to new ideas, and even take you back in time. Ready to explore these audio adventures in a supportive community setting? We invite you to experience life at Lighthouse Senior Living. Schedule a tour today or reach out to us for more information.