Today’s seniors are like no other generation. With unparalleled access to technology and the internet, the world is literally at their fingertips. Podcasts are a great way for seniors to engage with the world around them, to hear new perspectives and listen to unheard voices. Podcasts can take seniors to a place they’ve never been on demand. Want to learn more about ancient Egypt? There’s a podcast for that. Looking to start a new chapter in retirement? There’s a podcast for that too. Whatever you are looking for, educational or inspirational, inspiring or calming, there is a podcast that meets your needs.
Learn more about the growing use of technology among seniors and which podcasts are inspiring seniors to engage in the world around them on a new level.
A Growing Relationship with Technology
As the senior population grows, so does their use of technology. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 42% of American seniors own a smartphone, a drastic increase in smartphone usage up from 18% in 2013. The survey also found that 67% of seniors use the internet and more than half of seniors in the U.S. have broadband at home.
58% of adults over the age of 65 say that technology has had a mostly positive impact on society. As families become more geographically distant, technology plays an important role in keeping families and close friends connected. While nothing can take the place of in-person quality time, technological advances like FaceTime and Skype allow families to stay more connected than ever – even when separated by a land mass or ocean.
Experience Leisure Care Senior Living
Another way technology is having a positive impact on the lives of seniors is through podcasts. Podcasts are digital audio files, typically in lecture or interview format, that users can listen to on demand. Seniors can download an app on their smartphone or computer to listen to podcasts on a range of topics. Podcasts can help seniors get inspired to start a new chapter in their lives, and are a great way to educate and help seniors stay current on world news. Great for personal and professional growth, podcasts can encourage seniors to achieve goals in retirement, and even provide a new way to look at an old problem.
8 Educational and Inspirational Podcasts for Seniors
We’ve scoured the world wide web and come up with a list sure to inspire, educate, and encourage seniors to live their best life in retirement.
1. Ted Talks
Every weekday, Ted Talks puts their latest talks in podcast format so that subscribers can listen on the go. With over 2,800 talks, seniors can hear ideas on nearly every subject imaginable – from AI to zoology, Ted Talks brings together the world’s leading thinkers and doers to create an inspiring space in podcasts.
2. Freakonomics Radio
The top-rated podcast for seniors is Freakonomics Radio which bears the name of the book on which it is based. The podcast can help seniors understand basic economic principles and how it fits into nearly every aspect of their life – from pop culture to retirement.
3. The Daily
The Daily is a daily news podcast by The New York Times. Based on interviews with journalists from the paper, the Daily summarizes and comments on world news. Regularly listed in the top 10 most-listened podcasts, The Daily is a great way for seniors to stay informed and current on global news.
4. Stuff You Missed in History Class
The title really describes this podcast well. Based on the premise that we miss the social, cultural, and political importance of historical events in school history classes, Stuff You Missed in History Class strives to fill in the spaces left behind by most general history classes. The podcast covers a range of topics including obscure royalty, psychiatric abnormalities, and even the beginning of the Hawaiian pineapple trade.
5. This American Life
Produced by NPR, This American Life is one of the most well-known podcasts series. Ira Glass’s journalism and human interest program leads nearly 2.4 million people to download every episode. With stories ranging from military life to summer camp, stories are varied and different topics entertain and educate.
6. Good Job, Brain!
This is a great podcast for all trivia buffs! An interactive quiz show, Good Job, Brain showcases random and strange trivia facts on a wide range of topics. This is a great activity to do with family and friends and a great way to exercise your brain. With more than 190 episodes already aired, you won’t run out of trivia anytime soon!
7. Guided Meditations
Guided Meditations, created and hosted by psychotherapist Tara Brach, walks the listener through calm discussions of body and mind. The brief episodes, lasting between 9 and 25 minutes can help the listener deal with life’s stresses or destress after a long day.
8. Lux Radio Theatre
This podcast is a great place for seniors to begin their venture with podcasts. Lux Radio Theatre was actually a radio show running from 1934 – 1955 and featured adaptation of Broadway plays. Voiced by iconic stars like Judy Garland and John Wayne, Lux Radio Theatre will be a throwback to a simpler time.
What are your favorite podcasts? Share them with us in the comments below. We’d love to give them a listen!
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