7 great podcasts for over 50s
Podcasts are to radio as On Demand is to television.
Some podcasts have been around for years and already finished production, while others offer new shows that are released daily. There’s a huge range of content, from hilarious chatter to informative science to random knowledge, and everything in between, and you can listen to it all through whenever it suits you.
The benefits of listening to podcasts
Podcasts have become immensely popular over recent years.
In fact, the Digital Trends Report found that a little over one in three New Zealand (37%) Seniors listen to podcasts, and approximately one in 10 listen to podcasts at least once per week (9%).
Podcasts are also portable - you really can listen to them anywhere - you could be driving or taking public transport, out in the garden, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, or even relaxing at the beach while tuning in to topics that interest you.
Our report also found that the top three podcast genres amongst seniors were news and current affairs, political commentary, and hobbies and special interests – so it’s also safe to say that you can learn a thing or two from these shows.
Being able to hit pause, play, or rewind whenever you like is the ultimate convenience, and being able to share your favourite shows with friends makes podcasts supremely convenient and social as well. With that said, here are seven of the best podcasts to try:
1. Second Life
Second Life focuses on successful women who have made major career changes later in life. It’s all about following passions, working hard, overcoming challenges, and reinventing yourself. This is a great podcast to listen to if you’re considering making any kind of change later in life, or for something uplifting and enjoyable to listen to.
There’s a new episode out every Monday morning.
2. Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio is a fascinating, data-driven podcast that covers everything from the over prescription of antibiotics, to whether globalisation has failed, to the reason why rich countries are less happy.
If you loved the book, you’ll love the show. But you’ll learn a thing or two and be entertained along the way no matter what.
3. The Senior Caregiver Podcast
The Senior Caregiver Podcast is fairly niche but offers an incredible insight into senior living. However it’s not just about caregivers, as it also touches on topics as diverse as choosing a senior living community, to navigating Alzheimer’s, to nutrition for seniors, and more.
It might not sound particularly thrilling, but it does offer an insightful and thoughtful look into the world of caregiving and ageing.
4. What’s Wrong With You?
What’s Wrong With You? podcast is a homegrown series created entirely by people with disabilities. It offers a fresh perspective on disability in New Zealand, and is informative, moving, and often hilarious as it covers a variety of topics.
It has become a favourite amongst those with disabilities but can be a valuable eye-opener for those without disabilities as well.
5. Good Job Brain!
Are you looking for something a little more light-hearted, and a whole lot of fun? Good Job Brain! is a thoroughly enjoyable trivia-based podcast that touches on all sorts of random topics.
There’s a new episode out every week for you to test your knowledge and learn a few random facts in the process.
6. The School of Greatness
The School of Greatness is one of the world’s most popular podcasts. It is led by Lewis Howes, an ex-pro athlete turned entrepreneur, who regularly interviews inspiring people and experts such as neurologists, authors, and coaches. The interviewees are not always famous but are always inspiring and at the top of their field.
It covers a range of topics from money and nutrition to mental health, human rights, fitness, and much more, making this a ‘great’ podcast to learn a little about a lot from some of the best.
7. The Globalist
More than one in three (38%) of those surveyed in our Digital Trends Report listened to news and current affairs podcasts. One of the best in the genre is The Globalist, a daily hour-long report of what’s happening around the world. It is anchored in London and Zurich, so offers a different view on global news than you’d find on the front pages here, and an insightful look into stories you might not hear about otherwise.
While we don’t have a podcast on the go, we do create regular blogs and articles that touch on everything from disciplining grandchildren and reducing debt before retirement to the benefits of Life Insurance. It’s all made especially for Kiwis over 50, and you can explore it all at any time in our Discovery Hub.
18 Dec 2022