There can be no doubt. The 21st century is a wondrous age to be alive. These days, thanks to our increasingly space-age technology, it is entirely possible to be connected to the world without ever leaving familiar surroundings. It's not just the internet, though it is a big part of connectivity— there is an astonishing wealth of information and entertainment that is available to a senior living in the heart of America.
Technology can be, as we sometimes are forced to acknowledge, a two-edged sword, but for Cincinnati seniors who are interested in keeping up with the latest in health and wellness, world news, thoughtful discussions, issues of aging and retirement planning, tales of travel and adventure, or a multitude of other subjects, there are resources as easy to access as pushing a button and closing your eyes.
Near Infinite Variety
Podcasts are a recent phenomenon. Even though they share some similarities with radio programs of days gone by, podcasts differ from a traditional broadcast in a few key ways.
Podcasts are personal. Directed to specific audiences, you can find podcasts the cover any number of topics—including senior living and other subjects of concern to older Americans. In fact, these are some of the most popular broadcasts today,with good reason. Seniors have the time to listen, the time to ponder, and the curiosity and required interest levels to search out subjects and tune in to the podcasts.
A Sampling of What’s Out There
If you haven't discovered podcasts, you may be open to some suggestions: We think the following are some of the best currently available for any curious senior living in one of our communities. If you find something that you particularly enjoy, be sure to share it with your neighbors. Chances are that others will find the subject just as interesting, humorous, entertaining, disturbing, thought-provoking or inspirational as you did.
- TED Radio Hour: If you enjoy watching TEDTalks on the internet, you'll likely love the radio version produced by NPR. The variety of subjects assures that you'll always find something inspirational, zany or informative. Any if you enjoy kicking around new ideas with friends and family, you might want to start a TED discussion group. It could be the modern update of a traditional book club.
- Retirement Talk for Boomers, Seniors and Retirees: These podcasts don't sugarcoat, so they can be heavy as well as inspiring. We enjoy the travel casts, but we appreciate the straight talk and the serious subjects as well. We think you will, also. At the very least, the perspectives offered by those who have deep thoughts to share about important subjects can get us all thinking seriously. And that is a very good thing.
- Nature Podcast: This one might not appeal to everyone, but it can be fascinating. The weekly broadcast might deal with long line fishing, nuclear waste, or nurturing male mice, among other fascinating scientific subjects. The archived podcasts include discussions of aggressive viruses, volcanic eruptions, and science fiction. Check it out, and you might just find yourself turning in on a regular basis.
- National Endowment for the Arts: A bit unexpected, but if you like it, you will likely love it. Featuring a wide ranging pool of topics, with podcasts that cover subjects so diverse as biographies of jazz musicians to messages from incarcerated youth, it's always interesting, sometimes shocking, and usually more than worth your time.
- Travel Talks: If you like traveling, or reading travel books, or listening to travel stories, or looking at travel photos, this one's for you. Rick Steves is always fun to read—and even better to listen to. The stories he tells are down to earth and true, and the advice he gives is trustworthy and reliable. His insights are particularly great if you're planning a trip, but are an entertaining listen either way.
