Stay Connected: 6 Recommended Podcasts for Seniors
The rise of podcasts was swift, massive, and, frankly, not surprising. These digital audio series and shows first entered the scene in the early 2000s and have only gained momentum from there. Today, podcasts are more popular than ever, with 32% of Americans listening to podcasts at least once a month.
Podcasts provide information and insights about a vast range of topics, from current events and history to true crime, hobbies, music, and much more. Chances are, if there’s a topic you are interested in, there’s a podcast about it!
There may be misconceptions that podcasts are only for younger generations, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Podcasts are for anyone and everyone, and there are plenty of reasons for older adults to begin listening to them.
Uplands Village is a Life Plan Community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, offering a wide range of senior care services. We’re always looking for new ways to entertain our residents and involve them in their interests and the world around them. So we are sharing some recommended podcasts to keep you connected!
Uplands Village’s Recommended Podcasts for Seniors
Lux Radio Theater
Listen to this podcast if: You are nostalgic about the Golden Age of Hollywood and old-time radio.
Many people compare podcasts to old-time radio shows, and this show is just that! Lux Radio Theater is a classic anthology series that originally aired in the 1930s-1940s, featuring radio versions of classic Broadway plays and Hollywood movies.
You’ll hear stars such as Clark Gable and Cary Grant as they perform in front of a (once live) studio audience. This podcast has over 350 episodes and can be listened to on a computer or with your smartphone.
Criminal
Listen to this podcast if: You like true crime, strange occurrences, and real-life criminals.
Criminal is one of the rare true-crime podcasts that doesn’t leave you with nightmares but does leave you thinking. It explores real-life stories of the criminal justice system, people wrongfully accused of crimes, and everything in the middle. It’s well-produced, objective, and downright fascinating.
If you’re looking for a place to start, some of the best episodes include stories of the organized poaching of Venus Fly Traps, a man who was released from prison from spotting an error in the encyclopedia, and a family’s whose identities were mysteriously stolen.
This American Life
Listen to this podcast if: You are fascinated by everyday people with extraordinary stories, society, and culture.
Originally aired as a radio show in 1995, The American Life has grown to become one of the most popular podcasts of all time. The show itself is a well-produced journalistic project that shares funny, touching, and sometimes absurd stories about the human and American experience. Some of the best stories to start with (according to the host himself) are ones about being switched at birth, babysitting, and car salespeople.
Freakonomics
Listen to this podcast if: You’re interested in socioeconomics and how money plays a part in everyday life.
Freakonomics Radio, based on the book of the same name, shares the “hidden side of everything” and how money and economics shape our society in easy-to-understand and relatable stories. Good episodes to start with include those about the loneliness epidemic, tipping, and how to be great at just about anything. Listen to these episodes and more here!
Aging in Full Bloom
Listen to this podcast if: You want to learn valuable insights and feel empowered about aging.
This podcast features short episodes that share various stories and thoughts about aging, wellness, and health. Each week, host Lisa Stockdale invites a guest to talk about caregiving, physical fitness, elder law, and much more.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Listen to this podcast if: You’re interested in some of the less famous and more obscure aspects of history.
Stuff You Missed in History Class is for both self-proclaimed history buffs and those who just like a good story! This series skips over well-known historical events and shares some hidden gems of history that anyone could find fascinating. If you’re interested, check out the episodes about the history of the color blue, the real Sherlock Holmes, and Mozart’s little-known sister.
How to Get Started
One of the benefits of podcasts is that they can be listened to anytime, anywhere. If you want to listen on your computer, you can follow the links we’ve included and select an episode directly from the website.
If you prefer to listen on your smartphone, you can download several apps to listen to podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Audible. You can like and follow your favorites on these apps and even be notified when new episodes are released.
Happy Listening!
Podcasts are an exciting way to learn interesting things, laugh, and even become empowered. Our list of recommended podcasts for seniors only skims the surface of all the podcasts available today. We encourage you to find one that piques your interest and start listening!
Uplands Village prides itself on being an open and welcoming community to individuals of all backgrounds and stages of life. Our Life Plan Community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, offers a full range of retirement and senior care options to ensure each individual gets the care they need and lives the life they choose. Discover more about our community on our website!