Podcasts for Seniors: Discover a New Favorite

Podcasts have become very popular in recent years, and why not? They can be hilarious, educational, practical, and inspirational. There seems to be a podcast for every interest, and more recently, some creators have focused on content specifically for seniors.

Podcasts for elderly audiences touch on topics such as preventative health, home safety hacks, and retired life. They offer stories of decades past with warmth and humor. They drill deep into niche topics for the ever-curious mind.

Some reasons your senior might tune in to a podcast include:

• Cognitive engagement. Whether you’re learning the story of the clipper tea races or how GPS works, a great podcast pulls you in and teaches you new things. Some podcasts focus on trivia, riddles, or puzzles—entertaining while making your brain work.
• Decreased isolation. For those with limited mobility or a slowed-down routine, podcasts can keep you connected with current events and cultural milestones.
• Improved relationships. Podcasts focused on parenting, grandparenting, and making or maintaining friendships can teach you something about having hard conversations or making lasting memories.
• Better physical health. Medical experts share useful information on topics like diet, exercise, and sleep. (Note that everyone—not just seniors—should always consult their own doctor before changing or adopting new health habits.)
• Fun and entertainment. Talented hosts brighten your day with their antics and banter.
• New interests and hobbies. Discover unexplored activities like art journaling, senior chair yoga, or bird watching.

Many podcasts can be accessed for free (usually with ads) or through paid subscriptions to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartPodcasts, Pocket Casts, or YouTube. (Our clients who have SmartCompanion already have iHeartPodcasts.) Some also have their own websites with media players, for those who don’t have a subscription to another service.

More than ever, there is a podcast for everyone! Here are some starting points to a wide world of options—either exclusively for seniors, or just something they may enjoy.

Lifestyle Podcasts

• Aging in Full Bloom (link). This senior-focused podcast discusses such topics as retirement life, preventative home maintenance, and simplifying technology.
• The Great American Senior Show (link). Veteran journalist Sam Yates offers a broad range of interviews with attorneys, healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, and everyday heroes. While there is a strong Florida angle (where he is based), most episodes are of interest no matter where you live in the US.
• The Retirement Wisdom Podcast (link). Another offering with sundry topics, this podcast features episodes on friendship, purpose, and legacy in the golden years of life.
• Women Over 70 (link). This inspirational podcast for older women features stories from those over the age of 70 living purposeful, creative lives.
•  Living Your Senior Life (link to iHeart; available on more platforms). Covering a variety of topics from hobbies to bone density, this popular show features short episodes packed with helpful tips.
• The Perfect Scam (link). This project from the AARP Fraud Watch Network profiles real people and their stories of being scammed, along with expert advice on how to stay safe.
• Excuse My Grandma (link). This grandmother-granddaughter duo talk about current events and pop culture, each bringing their own generational lens and a lot of laughs.
•  70 Over 70 (link to iHeart; available on more platforms). This host interviews 70 individuals over 70 years old about their lives.
• The Moth (link). While not exclusively focused on senior life, The Moth is a hugely popular storytelling event—now with a podcast, so you can listen from the comfort of your living room.

Nostalgia Podcasts

• You Must Remember This (link). If you love Hollywood glamour and intrigue, you’ll love these stories of giants like Alfred Hitchcock, the Rat Pack, Bette Davis, and many more, leading all the way up through 1990s stars.
• Baby Boomer Tales (link). This amusing slice-of-life podcast will scratch the itch for conversations about Baby Boomer common experiences.
• Relic Radio (link). If you or your loved one grew up listening to radio dramas, this one’s for you!
• Desert Island Discs (link). This fun podcast jumps off the popular “what-if” question—what five music albums would you want if you were stuck on a desert island?—and interviews celebrities on their selections. While ongoing, this show has been recording since the 1940s!

Podcasts on Aging and Health

• Dementia Mattes (link). Hosted by a geriatrician and director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, this podcast discusses memory and cognitive health.
• Living to 100 Club (link). Dr. Joseph Casciani interviews physicians and researchers on topics related to healthy aging.
• Aging and Senior Health (link to videos; audio available on several platforms). The University of California publishes these episodes on everyday health topics for seniors.
• Better Health While Aging (link). This popular podcast is also hosted by a geriatrician and offers informed advice in preventative healthcare.

Educational Podcasts

• Stuff You Missed in History Class (link). This podcast discusses obscure and forgotten stories from history. Learn how Washington Irving impacted the wayAmericans celebrate Christmas or why the abandoned Italian mansion, Villa de Vecchi, may be haunted.
• Stuff You Should Know (link). Unrelated to the podcast above, this one covers a wide range of topics, with each episode under an hour.
• Hidden Brain (link). For those who love practical psychology, this podcast talks about such topics as the science of happiness, when to trust your intuition, and why being in nature makes us feel good.
• 99% Invisible (link). Each episode of this podcast is like a mini documentary on a singular object or issue.
• In Our Time (link). Another podcast in this vein, this BBC series talks geography, science, historical figures, and much more.

For Senior Veterans: Podcasts on Military History

• US Army History and Heritage Podcast (link). The US Army’s Center of Military History publishes episodes featuring in-depth interviews from historians and experts.
• Duty & Valor (link). This podcast is dedicated to honoring veterans and military heroes lost in active duty.
• The Unknown Soldiers Podcast (link). This one focuses on lesser-known stories and figures from military operations around the world.
• WW2 Podcast (link). For WW2 buffs, this podcast explores a variety of angles of this milestone in American history.

Podcasts are a great way to pass the time, learn something new, and keep your mind engaged. Share these with the senior in your life! And if that senior loved one needs home care, our VetAssist mission is to make home care easily and quickly accessible for those who qualify through the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans Home Care can help you determine whether you or your loved one will be eligible to receive the benefit, which can cover some or all of the cost of home care, and we make it easy to apply. Chat with us via our website, or call us at (888) 314-6075.