Have you heard about podcasts but are unsure what they are? You are not alone. Only 22% of us over 55 years of age listen to podcasts at least once a month. That means, most of us seniors have not taken advantage of what podcasts have to offer. And I am one of them. I rarely listen to podcasts.
However, my household is changing that statistic. I discovered that podcasts are great entertainment for my husband who has dementia. I’ll explain later in this post.
So what are podcasts?
Podcasts are pre-recorded shows that you can access through apps like Spotify. They can entertain you, educate you, update you, and improve your well being. You can listen to them while driving, walking, doing your daily housework, or even your yard work. Or you can just relax in your recliner and listen to one.
There are oodles of podcasts about, well, everything you can imagine, such as cooking, health, organizing, current events, crime, comedy, finance, books, music, fishing, fashion, fitness, just to name a few. You can download them and listen to them later.
How to Find a Podcast
Try this! Google “types of podcasts available” or google a subject and then podcasts. For example, google “fishing podcasts” and see what you find.
I looked for history podcasts about Florida, and I found Historiansplaining. I listened to this podcast series on Florida, more particularly #4, that explains the 1840s. It is entitled “Fortresses on Sand:
The History of Florida -pt. 4, Episode #157.” I especially loved it when I learned more about this time period which was the setting for my first book, “Palmetto Pioneers: The Emigrants.” You can click on it below.
https://historiansplaining.com/individual-episodes/fortresses-on-sand-the-history-of-florida-pt-4/
Podcasts refer to pre-recorded shows that you can access through other Apps such as Stitcher, Apple podcast, Podcast Addict, and Google Play Music. Podcasts are free on many different platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio, and Google Music.
You can listen to free podcasts on your phone and various other platforms like your ipad, tablet, or computer. Your phone probably came with a podcast app already installed. Look for it on your home page. Use your Iphone “Podcasts” app to search for a podcast. Follow your favorite podcast so you will know when there is a new episode available.
Free Podcasts?
Amazon Prime comes with free podcasts, and the podcasts are also ad-free.
Similar to the free podcasts on iPhone, you can get podcasts for free on all your Apple devices. If you have a Mac or an iPad, you can use the same Podcast app as your iPhone to listen to podcasts for free.
Podcasts are free on Spotify, and all you need is to sign up for a Spotify Free account. Listen on your computer or download the app on your phone or tablet.
Amazon Music has free podcasts with millions of podcast episodes. You can listen to podcasts from Amazon on your computer or us the Amazon Music app on your cell.
On Android, you cannot use a service like Apple Music since that is only for Apple devices. But you can go online through Google and search for podcasts or download an app like Spotify or Google Podcasts, where you can listen to the podcasts free.
Listening to podcasts on the computer is easy since there are so many websites you can use to find podcasts. Use your brower and internet connection to search online for free podcasts. There are hundreds of websites to choose from.
For more information on how to get podcasts on all these platforms for free, click on the link below.
There are lots of podcasts for us seniors. Better Health While Aging is a podcast by a geriatrics doctor.
A Source of Connection discusses a topic of interest and is designrf to instill a sense of connection, even if one is alone at home. There are also podcasts for mental stimulation and memory enhancement. Good Job, Brain is an interactive game show.
AARP does podcasts, such as The Perfect Scam, Closing the Savings Gap and AARP Take on Today. They are available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn and AARP.org. The Perfect Scam shares stories from people who have been affected by scams and former scam artists. This podcast shows common tactics useed by scammers and provides tips to protect your from them.
Camp Codger is a podcast produced by older adults for older adults. It shares rocking-chair wisdom from three old guys. It is for people who want to make the most of their golden years and laugh at their aging adventures (or misadventures).
Excuse My Grandma discusses differences between the silent generation, those born before 1946, and millennials.
Stuff You Missed in History Class highlights historical trivia.
So there is so much out there! Put your thinking caps on, and google the word podcast and whatever interests you. I googled Podcast Fishing, and now Chuck has something else he enjoys! There is a link to the one he likes best below.
https://www.itinerantangler.com/blog/podcasts/category/podcasts/