Electronic devices may seem daunting to use for those that aren't familiar with them, but smartphones, tablets and computers can open the world to people of all ages. Whether you're an older adult settling into a vibrant life in an assisted living community or you're still working part-time and living at home during retirement, devices can help you communicate, find entertainment and learn new things.
You can use electronic devices to enhance Bible study, watch videos and view pictures of your grandkids. And a growing body of podcasts mean you can use those same devices to listen to entertainment and educational programs.
Find out more about podcasts below and try out one or more of our suggestions.
Podcasts are audio programs that are delivered over the internet. They're very similar to radio programs, but you don't get them on a radio. Instead, you listen to them on computers and other devices that can connect to the internet.
Many podcasts are free. You can access them online on websites or via audio streaming services such as Spotify or Apple iTunes.
You can find podcasts on almost any topic, including history, philosophy, religion, news, various hobbies, health and productivity.
Some podcasters publish episodes each day or week, so if you find one you like, you can enjoy ongoing programming. For many people who love podcasts, new episodes are something to look forward to. You might schedule out time to enjoy podcasts in your assisted living apartment with a hot beverage and a snack, just as you would a favorite television show.
You can find plenty of podcasts aimed at being a senior, and if you Google "podcasts for seniors," you'll also find tons of lists suggesting content for older adults.
Instead of presenting you with the same lists you can find everywhere else, we dug through podcast offerings to find fun, unique or informative options that aren't all about aging and are more about living and loving life.
Comedian and actor Dax Shepherd has more to offer in Armchair Expert than you might realize. He knows how to entertain, and his years spent in improv training help him dazzle audiences with charismatic interviews and commentary. But the funny man of big and small screens also has a serious side. He's got over a decade of sobriety, so he understands the struggle of being human, and he has a degree in Anthropology.
All of this comes together to create an informative, endearing podcast as Shepherd interviews actors, writers and others, digging into what it means to be human and how struggles and successes have shaped each person's life.
This podcast from digital radio platform iHeartRadio collects random bits of knowledge you never knew you needed. Stuff You Should Know episode topics range from "Who was America's first murderer?" to everything you should know about mold.
The regular episodes run between 40 and 60 minutes on average and are filled with fun facts, entertaining interviews and commentary from the podcasters. But the podcast also publishes "Short Stuff" episode formats that provide educational content in 10 to 15 minutes. That makes this podcast ideal whether you're settling in for an evening of entertainment or just want to pass the time while you wait for a doctor's appointment or important phone call.
Older adults who enjoy quiet or journaling time in the morning or just want a quick pick-me-up come the 3 pm slump may enjoy The Daily Quote. Every episode is a 2-3 minute quote that inspires, encourages thought or helps settle your mind.
Whether you're putting headphones on to listen to something as you walk the treadmill or the grounds at the assisted living community or you want a fitness-minded podcast to inspire you, try TREADtalks.
This relatively new podcast doesn't just beat dead horses about diet and exercise into the ground. Instead, the host explores a wide range of topics about life and physical and mental health. From personal battles with depression to what really happens in college sorority recruitment, the content of this podcast may be a good choice for those that want to think outside of the box and experience a little drama with their learning.
In the Smartless podcast, entertainers Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett engage in unscripted dialogue about a range of topics. They also interview guests that each host takes turns setting up. The guests are a mystery to the other hosts until they show up on the podcast episode, which makes for some hilariously authentic discussion.
Whether you're looking for some entertainment to add to your evenings at Autumn View Gardens assisted living community or you've run out of favorite podcast episodes and want to add a new one to your list, you have thousands of options. Try one of our suggestions above, or log into a service such as Spotify to browse options for yourself.
