January 18, 2024
Like the radio of yesteryear, podcasts are the newest craze in audio programs enjoyed by people of all ages, including older adults in Independent Living communities seeking another form of amusement. Podcasts are a great way to stay entertained while enjoying information on various topics. Whether you’re taking a jog or a leisurely stroll along one of Royal Oaks’ trails or doing strength training in our Evergreen Fitness Center, these programs offer a pleasant addition to your daily activities. Best of all, their surge in popularity means you can find numerous excellent podcasts created especially for seniors.
After radio shows hit the internet, it wasn’t long before a resourceful software engineer named Dave Winer created a program that allowed people to download their favorite internet radio broadcasts onto their iPods. These recordings were dubbed podcasts, combining the words "iPod" and "broadcasts."
Nowadays, you can find podcasts on numerous streaming services. You can stream them on your laptop, tablet or smartphone to easily take your favorite programs wherever you go. While many streaming services are free, premium apps may require a monthly fee. Popular podcasts cover almost any topic imaginable, including news, politics, health and fitness, sports, comedy, music and everything in between.
While numerous podcasts are geared toward twentysomethings, you might be surprised how many cater to a more mature audience. Several seek listeners aged 50-plus and cover all aspects of aging, with topics ranging from serious issues seniors face to funny takes on getting older. Although podcasts started about 20 years ago, they took a decade to catch on and become popular. If you haven’t tried them yet, consider these popular options for the older generation.
Hosted by award-winning journalist Paul Vogelzang, “Not Old — Better” is a weekly podcast created by those aged 50 and older for listeners in the same age group. The high-energy show focuses on fascinating topics for older adults and their families. Host Vogelzang interviews big-name guests, from health and nutrition experts to sports and entertainment superstars. However, he doesn’t leave out ordinary people leading extraordinary lives who also deliver the essential message that it’s never too late to pursue your passions in life.
Some topics Vogelzang tackles include eating healthily, grooming over 50, music, entertainment, food and travel, fitness and the art of living. His “Technology Power Hour” might especially appeal to tech enthusiasts within Royal Oaks’ Tech-Connect group or any community members who embrace technology-forward living.
Interested listeners can catch this podcast on a number of platforms, including iHeart Radio, Spotify, iTunes, Pandora and Google Play Music. It has over 350 previous episodes lasting about 20 minutes, with new shows coming out weekly.
This informative podcast, hosted by Lisa Stockdale, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capital Healthcare Network, covers all sorts of topics surrounding wellness as you age. Anyone seeking an insightful show focused on keeping a positive mindset while also being entertained may enjoy “Aging in Full Bloom.”
Stockdale covers a range of topics, including retirement advice, Assisted Living, Memory Care, nutrition, heart health and arthritis pain management. She also touches on tech topics, including making your home smarter and online scammers, plus lighthearted subjects, such as tech issues that drive boomers crazy.
This podcast has at least 85 previous episodes. Some are as short as a few minutes, but others are nearly 30 minutes long. Listen for free on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify and Amazon Music.
In case you hadn’t guessed, this podcast covers historical events and is ideal for anyone who enjoys history with a dramatic flair. Topics cover a slew of historical events and figures, but co-hosts Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson take a lighthearted look at major historical moments throughout time and don’t stick with average lessons in history. They talk about some of the strangest “Stuff You Missed in History Class.”
Wilson’s love of history started growing in college, where she embraced a more holistic way of approaching the past and its effects on the present. Frey’s true historical passion lies in fashion from all eras. Both have a long-time involvement with the HowStuffWorks website.
Topics on this podcast cover unusual stories, including skipped-over significant events and even the unbelievable. Discussions shed light on everything from vast historical conspiracies to significant family secrets. Informative yet fun, this podcast isn't just history — it’s entertainment. Promoted on iHeart Radio, “Stuff You Missed in History Class” also appears on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible and many others. If you’re new to this program, you’ll have much catching up to do. The long-running series dates back to June 2008, with nearly 2200 episodes as of the close of 2023.
Hosted by Dr. Leslie Kernisan, “Better Health While Aging” covers more serious topics focused on everyday health challenges seniors face. Dr. Kernisan is a practicing geriatrics specialist, and she and her guests discuss various issues related to aging, such as health problems commonly affecting those aged 60 and older and the best ways to prevent or manage these problems. Together, they provide practical information on improving your health and well-being.
These podcasts are also longer than most, with episodes running for about an hour, but some are shorter. Some topics include hearing loss, fall prevention, long-term care, medication safety, estate planning, dementia and many other concerns of seniors in Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care.
You can listen to all 136 episodes of this series on Podbay or Dr. Kernisan’s website. You can also find some episodes on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast and RSS, among others.
If you’re seeking the only Life Plan Community in Sun City, Arizona, join the vibrant Royal Oaks community. Besides fully Independent Living, we offer a complete array of services to meet your current and future medical needs for a truly worry-free retirement. Contact us today at 623-208-6621 to schedule a tour and learn more about what our community has to offer.
