2023 Senior Podcast Recommendations
Are you interested in connecting with other seniors, having a good laugh or discovering new interests?
If so, finding a relevant podcast or podcast series is one way to go about it. Search for senior-friendly podcasts and ted talks about your hobbies, techniques for better health, climate change, music, culture, interviews, informed conversations, interesting news and more.
We’ve put our caring hands together to help you find the list of the best podcasts for seniors and older adults and what you’ll need to know to get started.
What Is a Podcast?
According to Merriam-Webster, a podcast is “a program (as of music or talk) made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet.” In other words, it’s an audio program for a particular topic or discussion, with the main difference being that it is hosted online for listeners and available to download. Because podcasts are hosted online, it makes them readily accessible as long as you have an internet connection. Usually podcasts release new episodes once a week or daily, depending on the particular podcast.
What’s more, many podcasts and podcast apps are free, easy to access and provide hours of entertainment.
Where Can I Find a Podcast Series?
Podcasts are available in a variety of formats to suit your device and personal preference, such as a podcast app or podcast series. Learn how to access your podcasts today.
Listen To A Daily Or Weekly Podcast On a Website
If you prefer to listen to a podcast at home, choose from websites with applicable podcasts for all your podcasting needs. You’ll need a browser like Google Chrome, Safari or Firefox to listen to podcasts on your computer.
- Find a website with interesting podcasts or an informational ted talk, such as https://www.ted.com/podcasts.
- Find episodes, make sure your sound is turned on and click “play” to listen to the first episode.
- Enter “free podcasts for seniors” or “best podcasts for seniors” in a search engine like Google.
- Browse popular sites for free podcasts to listen to for seniors like the following:
Please note that while most podcasts are available for free, such as the majority of podcasts found on ABC Listen Application BBC Radio, some limitations may apply. For example, recent episodes may require signing up for a subscription.
Apple Podcasts On an iPhone or iPad
If you’d like to listen on your iPhone or iPad, use the Apple Podcasts app to tune in. Here’s how:
- Check whether you have the Podcasts app on your phone.
- If not, download the podcasts app from the App Store.
- Open the app and find the search page to begin searching for a podcast that interests you.
- Look for the search box at the top next to a magnifying glass. Tap the icon and type in the podcast you’re looking for, or search for something generic such as “best podcasts for seniors”. Hit “enter.”
- Choose your podcast from the search results and tap it to go to the homepage of the podcast.
- Browse a list of recent podcast episodes and choose one episode to play.
- Hit the subscribe button for free downloads to your library.
Google Podcast App On an Android Phone
If you have an Android phone, you’ll need to use the Google Podcasts app. Here’s how:
- Go to the Google Play Store app and search “Google podcasts” or click here.
- Download and install the podcast app to your phone.
- Open the app, find the search box and type in the name of your podcast, or search for something generic like “best podcasts for seniors”.
- Select the podcast you’d like from the search results and tap it to go to the podcast homepage.
- Browse a list of recent podcast episodes and tap the one you’d like.
- Hit the subscribe button at the bottom of the page for all your favourites.
- Alternatively, use the Google search app to find and listen to a podcast of your choice.
Top 15 Podcasts for Seniors: 2023 Recommendations
There are a range of different types of podcasts for a range of topics to listen to, including friends and family, radio shows, true crime stories, music, stories of the world, ted talks, funny conversations, life stories and many more topics you might find interesting.
If you’re still not sure how to find what you’re looking for or the best podcasts for seniors and baby boomers, take a look at these popular podcasts and senior-approved podcast picks below:
- Good Job, Brain! keeps seniors engaged with interesting trivia. The episodes are themed and let listeners guess what the answer is. Keep your mind sharp and your trivia up to date with this fascinating weekly podcast.
- Aging in Full Bloom provides short episodes to help empower and entertain, focussing on wellness and handles topics like memory maintenance and assisted living
- Relic Radio offers a touch of nostalgia and a love for radio programming. Listen and hear timeless radio shows from the golden age of radio in a variety of genres, now in podcast form. There’s something for everyone looking for a typical radio show or radio program on this celebrated platform!
- 70 Over 70 features interviews with seniors over 70 where they discuss their lives now and in the past. Find inspiration by listening to guests share and discuss their life story while posing big questions in your own for a philosophical take on ageing.
- Stuff You Should Know. Stuff you should know is exactly as described. Learn all kinds of tidbits and tips about the world around you in every episode, from fine dining to scientific oddities. Discover things you never knew while satisfying your curiosity.
- Feisty Side of Fifty is perfect for middle-aged and senior women. This podcast covers and explores topics like holistic health, the grieving process, family life and tips for mature relationships. Each episode comes complete with expert commentary so find out what all the fuss is about.
- The Old Man Podcast is tailored to men ages 55 and over. Weigh in on the trials and tribulations of life as a grandparent, family life, what to expect during retirement, hearing loss, the car-free life and then some.
- Planet Money is dedicated to finance in every sense of the word and this podcast focuses on the simplest ways of making income and the associated challenges. Not only is money ever relevant, but you’ll also have trouble deciding between the 800 episodes of planet money available. This NPR program provides added value to everyday people.
- Retirement Reimagined is for anyone navigating life after employment. Learn how best to spend your newfound free time, feel connected to your community and friends and feel good in your golden years. Look forward to a new podcast every week.
- 99% Invisible is a podcast devoted wholly to architecture and design. Expand your knowledge about Atlas Obscura, pink margarine and anything under the sun. One thing’s for sure: it’s time to geek out about all things weird, wild and wondrous in the world.
- Stuff You Missed in History Class. Stuff you missed in history class leads you down the road less travelled and is one for the history books. Dive into forgotten histories and stories like the Coconut Grove Fire, paganism in Scotland or the Paris jazz age from academic experts. Whether you love history, are just casual listener who enjoys a good story about history or want to learn about things you’ve never heard about, this treasure trove of information leaves nothing to be desired.
- If you’re taken by words and language, The Allusionist is right up your alley. Dive deep into terms like verisimilitude, trammel and Polari while uncovering unknown etymologies. It’s never too late to learn!
- Living to 100 Club helps seniors live healthier well into their later years. Discover the health benefits of meditation, movement activity and emotional freedom therapy while changing your perspective on ageing.
- Sound Living is a public affairs podcast with practical advice to families and consumers. While not strictly for seniors, its sensible topics like budgeting, healthy meals and intergenerational connections are as relevant as ever. Add some insight to your day with this well-rounded podcast.
- If you’re looking for a daily dose of inspiration, consider listening to Gretchen Rubin’s Happier podcast. Each episode aims to provide actionable advice like suggestions and research-based strategies.
Final Thoughts
Podcasts may take some getting used to, but they’re well worth the effort, provide easy listening and can be enjoyed by yourself or with friends and family.
Browse any number of free programs and apps pertinent to your health or household. With a range of podcasts available to listen to for variety of topics such as culture, the changing world, the latest week’s news, true crime stories, interesting interviews, healthier living and more, podcasts provide hours of entertainment and are a great way to stay connected.
And if you don’t want to start start listening to the best podcasts for seniors today, but still want to stay connected, you can sign up to Southcare’s newsletter, or read our stories online.