A new podcast has been launched aiming to tackle the issue of social isolation among retirees, as research reveals that individuals over the age of 65 are spending less than an hour a day engaging in conversations with others. The study, which involved 1,000 adults in this age group, found that 43% of them feel they have a limited circle of people to talk to, resulting in an average daily conversation time of just 58 minutes.
The research, conducted by OnePoll.com, also highlighted that one in four retirees would appreciate more opportunities to engage with younger individuals, and 22% yearn for a more diverse group of people to interact with on a regular basis. In response to these findings, Parsley Box has commissioned the launch of a new podcast series called ‘Wise Words’ specifically designed for retirees. The podcast, hosted by 86-year-old broadcaster David Hamilton, consists of four episodes featuring various guests discussing topics such as maintaining friendships, cooking traditions, lifelong learning, and navigating modern technology.
Holly McComb, CEO of Parsley Box, expressed the importance of addressing social isolation among retirees, stating, “After the age of 65, many people find their social circles reduced, leading to a feeling of having fewer people to talk to.” The ‘Wise Words’ podcast aims to counteract this by providing engaging content that feels like listening to old friends chatting in a modern format. The research also uncovered the favourite conversation topics among retirees, including reminiscing about the past, discussing music, food, travel, films, and television.
Furthermore, the study revealed that 24% of respondents feel engaged in a conversation when listening to podcasts or the radio, indicating the potential of audio content to bridge the social gap for older adults. Holly highlighted the role of podcasts in helping older individuals stay socially connected, offering a convenient way to access information and entertainment at any time, especially when physical social events may be limited for some.
Overall, the ‘Wise Words’ podcast serves as a valuable resource for retirees seeking to maintain social connections, engage in meaningful conversations, and stay mentally active and stimulated. By providing relevant and relatable content, the podcast aims to combat social isolation and create a sense of community among older adults. As awareness of the importance of social interaction for overall well-being increases, initiatives like this podcast play a vital role in promoting social engagement and combating loneliness in older populations.