A podcast is simply a prerecorded audio program, such as a talk show, distributed over the internet. Seniors can listen to a podcast on their smartphone, computer, tablet or download to listen to it in the car, even without the internet. There are plenty of free apps available to listen to your favorite podcasts like Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Player FM and YouTube.
You can listen to podcasts anytime, doing any activity like a radio program but at your own selected time. There is a podcast for seniors for every possible topic of their interests including health, senior living, news, entertainment, finance, books, sports, meditation, fashion or anything you can think of.
Related Article: 7 Best senior living podcasts
Here are 15 best podcasts for seniors and the elderly to enjoy.
1. TED Talks
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a nonprofit devoted to “ideas worth spreading”, usually in form of short and powerful presentations by experts. TED Talks are short and quality content covering any possible subjects like climate change, health care, education and entertainment.
TED Talks are not longer than 18 minutes while most of its speakers aim for under 10 minutes. By joining this podcast, you will have access to a library of inspiring talks and ideas by world-renowned speakers. You can start with the best Ted Talks on retirement.
TED Talks available on Amazon Alexa | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
2. The American Life
The next podcast for seniors is The American Life, a weekly public radio show heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download weekly podcasts to listen to the show. The show has won all major broadcasting awards. Each week a theme is chosen and different stories on that theme are shared. It is entertaining journalism built around stories.
It is one of the best storytelling podcasts. There are hundreds of episodes with thousands of stories.
The American Life available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
3. Better Health While Aging
A doctor’s podcast for older adults discussing common health problems among people over 60. Experts address common concerns and dilemmas that come up with aging parents and senior loved ones. It is a great podcast for elderly and family caregivers alike.
Subscribe to this podcast to learn what really works when it comes to improving health while aging. Better Health While Aging is one of the best podcasts on aging.
Better Health While Aging available on Apple Podcasts | Audible | Stitcher
4. Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosted by Holly and Tracy, this podcast brings the greatest and strangest history stuff that you missed in class. You will love this podcast if you are fascinated by history. You will find left-out stories of social, cultural and political importance.
Stuff You Missed in History Class available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
5. Woman’s Hour
Daily radio magazine on BBC Radio 4 since 1946, also available as a podcast. It is one hour program; The first 45 minutes include reports, interviews and debates on women’s issues and the last 15 minutes feature drama series.
Women’s issues such as motherhood, health, feminism, and relationship are regularly discussed. The program has a general theme and attracts 40% of male listeners. You can also explore more podcasts for senior women in out top 10 podcasts for women over 60 article.
Woman’s Hour available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | BBC Radio
6. The Relic Radio Show
You will love this podcast if you grew up in the golden age of radio. It is dedicated to gems from radio’s reigning era including classics ranging from horror, science fiction, comedy and adventure. Join this podcast to listen to some old-time classical radio.
Woman’s Hour available on Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts
7. Planet Money
The next best podcast for older adults is on the economy. The format aims to explain the economy to people who are interested in economic issues but do not have an academic background in economics. The program is in form of stand-alone episodes where each episode is 15-30 minutes.
Planet Money claims to be “The Economy Explained”.
Planet Money available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
8. Retirement Answer Man
One of the best podcasts for seniors is by Roger Whitney who is helping people to live well today without sacrificing tomorrow. Each episode makes a difficult or boring financial conversation or concept more approachable for seniors and the elderly. Mr. Whitney has a humorous approach making everything light and simple.
Related Article: Best blogs for retirement planning
Retirement Answer Man available on Apple Podcasts | audible | Stitcher
9. Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know is one of the best podcasts for seniors who are interested in common things and how they work. One day you could learn about ice cream or jet lag and the next day, you could learn about knife throwing or hoarding. The hosts select odd topics and go in depth. Josh and Chuk are very popular hosts who come up with great ideas to discuss.
Stuff You Should Know available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
10. Ask Me Another
The next podcast for older adults is Ask Me Another. Seniors who love trivia, game shows and puzzles love it. The show is an amusement park for your brain, packed with comedy and celebrity guests. The show is fun and you will find yourself playing along.
Ask Me Another available on Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Player FM
11. How I Built This
The best podcast for seniors who want to know about innovators and entrepreneurs and their stories and struggles with the movement they built.
Guy Raz sits with the best entrepreneurs to find out how they built their brands.
Two episodes each week with deep and intimate moments of crises, failures and eventual triumph. Motivational and inspirational characters tell you stories about hard work and innovations to turn an idea into a brand. It is fast-paced but very informative.
How I Built This available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
12. How To Be A Better Human
Another podcast for older adults that they will love because it is not an average self-improvement podcast. It looks at unexpected ways to improve your work, home and body from the comfort of your headphones. The podcast is from TED so you can imagine the quality of the content.
How To Be A Better Human available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
13. Stay Wealthy Retirement Show
Taylor Schulte, recently named #2 independent financial advisor by Investopedia, is the host of this podcast for seniors. The podcast helps you to invest smarter, avoid overpaying IRS in retirement, lower taxes and teach you how to prepare for the next stock market crash.
This podcast is ideal to learn when to take social security and how to turn your investment into a reliable retirement income and stay wealthy. Get financial advice and answers to your financial questions every week.
Stay Wealthy Retirement Show available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
14. Good Job, Brain!
The next best podcast for older adults is Good Job, Brian! It will be your new favorite if you are a trivia buff. It is a part-time quiz show and part-time offbeat trivia. Play and laugh along as Karen, Colin, Dana and Chris share some of the weirdest and most interesting facts about their funny little world.
This podcast is the ultimate mental nutrition for your mental health with fresh frequent episodes.
Good Job, Brain! available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
15. The Daily
The Daily is a news podcast produced by The New York Times and hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise. There is a new episode every weekday, ready by 6 AM. The podcast covers major news stories of our time, reported by the best journalists in the world. The Daily is one of the best podcasts for seniors who are interested latest politics and news from around the world.
The Daily available on Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts
These are the 15 best podcasts for seniors and older adults. Which one is your favorite? Do you listen to any other podcast that is great for the elderly?