When televisions starting popping up in British households in the 1950s, there was concern that it would cause the end of radio as we know it. By the 60s, 9 in 10 UK households owned a TV and it did mean that rather than sitting around a radio to listen to their favourite shows, British families now watched them instead. Radio did see a steady decline in listeners as the years and decades went by, just as had been predicted. However, as the internet developed, a new wave of listening began: podcasts.
Previously known as audioblogging, its roots can be traced back to the 80s. However, the term podcast was coined in 2004, and this is when they really started to gain traction. Podcast popularity grew and grew at the beginning of the 21st century and, around the mid-teenies, the industry really boomed. You can now find a podcast for anything and everything. No interest is too niche for there not to be a podcast about it. People have their favourites that they tune into every week, much like their predecessors would have for their favourite radio shows. The way we listen has changed, but our nature has not. We love hearing about our interests, hobbies, and news.
Podcasts appealed to young people as a new type of digital media. However, they have become popular with groups of any age. Today we will be looking at the top 5 podcasts for older people.
5. Stuff You Should Know
They say you learn something new every day, and it’s important to keep your mind sharp, especially in later life. The Stuff You Should Know podcast is the perfect way to stimulate your mind with fresh information. Plus, some of the things you learn could change your outlook on life entirely. This show offers extra insight into everyday things, explaining how the things we take for granted actually work.
This is an entertaining and engaging podcast, with a pair of hosts who really know how to draw you in. Across their more than 1,500 episodes, they have explored topics such as skydiving, jet lag, and nostalgia.
4. Desert Island Discs
Desert Island Discs is a radio veteran and its popularity has spanned 8 decades. Originally broadcast in 1942 on Radio 4, Desert Island Discs sits down with a celebrity or influential figure known as ‘castaways’ to ask, if they were stranded on a desert island, what 8 recordings, book, and luxury item, would they want with them? Desert Island Discs has kept up with the digital age and has morphed into a Podcast, still hosted on Radio 4, and is still a favourite among listeners.
Notable guests on Desert Island Discs include Keith Richards, Yoko Ono, Tom Hanks, and even Princess Margaret in the 80s.
3. In Our Time
Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the In Our Time podcast discusses a range of topics from history to culture, science to philosophy. Melvyn is joined each episode by 2-3 specialist guests who have expert knowledge or an interesting spin on the topic of the episode. Across its weekly releases, they have discussed topics as diverse as Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, The Knights Templar, and Atlantis.
In Our Time is one of Radio 4’s most successful programmes, and attracts over 2 million listeners per week.
2. How to Be a Better Human
It’s never too late to work on self-improvement. This podcast explores how to find more fulfilment in life, as well as overcoming challenges such as loss or anxiety. The How to Be a Better Human podcast could be ideal for you if you have experienced any worries about your mental wellbeing. Alternatively, it could change how you approach your relationships with people, which could help to fight loneliness.
The How to Be a Better Human podcast is hosted by comedian Chris Duffy, so you know you will be entertained as well as educated. He is often joined by special guests who can offer professional insight into the topic of the day, whether it be controlling your finances or improving your sleep.
1. That’s After Life!
Hosted by Adrian Mills and Dame Esther Rantzen, That’s After Life! is a casual chat between friends as they share their news, respond to listeners’ emails, and tell stories. Each episode they are joined by a special guest including, Michael Palin, Imelda Staunton, and David Baddiel.
Whilst this podcast only ran for a baker’s dozen of episodes, it’s sure to entertain. Plus, this makes it a little less daunting to catch up on than some of the other podcasts on our list.
You can tune in to podcasts via a smartphone, computer, laptop, or smart TV.
Careline Alarm Service
Podcasts are an excellent way to sit back and relax at home. Here at Careline, our mission is to help people stay comfortable and confident in their own home. In our older years, worries of mobility issues and falls can arise. However, with our personal emergency alarms, we can alleviate these concerns.
If you would like to find out more about our life-saving personal alarm service, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call our friendly team on 0800 030 8777 or get in touch online. You can also order a Careline alarm online or over the phone at any time.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 18th May 2023 to reflect current information.
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