Learn While You Listen with Podcasts

With more than 400 million podcast listeners worldwide, this audio medium offers a unique blend of entertainment and education that fits seamlessly into daily routines—whether you’re commuting, exercising, cooking, or simply relaxing at home. The audio format is inherently accessible, requiring no special equipment beyond a smartphone or computer, and can accommodate various physical limitations that might make reading or watching screens challenging.

For those interested in healthy aging, the podcast world offers a trove of listening options. But they aren’t all created equal. The topic of healthy aging can often include misinformation, harmful tropes, ageist stereotypes, or self-styled experts hyper-focused on preventing wrinkles or “biohacking.” So how can we find factual podcasts that can help you make healthy choices as you get older?

When picking out a podcast, you should consider the following questions:

• What are the host’s professional qualifications (medical degree, Ph.D., certified gerontologist, registered dietitian, etc.)?
• Do they have specific experience or training in aging, geriatrics, or related health fields?
• Are they affiliated with reputable medical institutions, universities, or professional organizations?
• Does the podcast have clear disclaimers about not replacing professional medical advice?
• Are potential conflicts of interest disclosed (sponsorships, product endorsements)?
• Is the content regularly updated to reflect current scientific understanding?

Here are a few evidence-based podcasts hosted or produced by experts in the field of aging:

• Better Health While Aging – This podcast is hosted by Dr. Leslie Kernisan, a board-certified geriatrician specialized in healthcare for older adults. She has been practicing geriatrics since 2006, and is a clinical instructor in the University of California San Francisco Division of Geriatrics. The podcast provides practical, evidence-based information for aging adults and caregivers.
• Aging Forward – The Mayo Clinic Press’s podcast offers expert advice on healthy aging and geriatric medicine. Mayo Clinic’s credibility ensures high editorial standards and evidence-based content.
• GSA on Aging Podcast Series – Produced by the Gerontological Society of America, this show features interviews with researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field of aging. GSA is a premier professional organization for aging research.
• This is Growing Old – Hosted by The Alliance for Aging Research, this show features interviews with changemakers in the field of healthy aging. The Alliance is a respected nonprofit focused on aging research and policy.
• The Psychology of Aging – From the Center for Mental Health and Aging, this podcast focuses on the psychological aspects of aging with evidence-based approaches.
• Buck Institute Podcasts – This collection of podcasts features researchers and experts in aging science, with hosts who have served on national advisory panels including the National Institute on Aging’s Board of Scientific Counselors.

Podcasts can be an informative way to keep up on the latest news about wellness, nutrition, and healthy living. Some even feature well-known doctors! But it is important to remember that these people aren’t your doctor. Before you make any big life changes, be sure to check in with your health care provider.