Aging Matters TV show

This episode features Sherry Basham, Dental Hygienist, and faculty member at the Northern Virginia Community College School of Dental Hygiene. She discusses the need for good oral health for older adults and why regular dental hygienist visits help prevent serious health complications. She also shows different types of oral health care products that help prevent dental problems and enhance health and well-being.

Participation in music education offerings may improve older adult health, well-being, and independence. TV Show Episode 45 features Logan Massey, Senior Director of Music Education, and Ellen Lazarus, Music Student (Levine Music). Logan describes benefits of playing an instrument or enrolling in a music education class for older adults. Ellen explains how taking guitar lessons has enriched her life. A guitar lesson with Ellen and her instructor, Mia Pomerantz, Chair of the Levine Guitar Department, is presented.

This episode features guest Robert McCan, PhD, Ordained Minister, Civil Rights Activist, Peacebuilder, and Author, who talks about his ministry, involvement in civil rights activities in the South, efforts to build a more peaceful world, and his book, Destiny – Creating Our Global Community: Sustainable, Peaceful, Just.

Robotic pets can lessen symptoms of some older adult health conditions, ease anxiety, and provide comfort. Steve Cone, Chief of Communications, Marketing, & Philanthropy (Capital Caring Health), talks about how robotic pets can help older adults feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, and enhance quality of life. Examples of robotic pets are shown and how they can be used and accepted by older adults.

This episode highlights theater arts participation and how it can improve older adults’ health and well-being. The program features Tessa Klein, Teaching Artist (Educational Theater Company - ETC) and Angie Whitehurst, Daena Kluegel, and Martha Trunk, Participants (ETC Creative Age program). During the show, Angie, Daena, and Martha perform a scene from the Tony Award winning play, "Proof," by David Auburn, and discuss how themes of the scene relate to and inspire class discussions about participant stories.

Tai chi is a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercises designed for relaxation, balance and health. During this episode, Peter Schwartz, Tai Chi Instructor (The School of Tai Chi Chuan of Northern Virginia), describes physical and mental health benefits of tai chi and what older adults need to know when practicing the exercises. During the program, Peter demonstrates steps participants practice during a typical tai chi session.

This TV Show episode features Bennet Helfgott, President (Mobility City), who provides information about durable medical equipment and how to select a product most suitable for the user’s needs. Information about acquisition and use of wheel chairs and mobility scooters is provided.

Featuring Erin Whalen, Communication Skills Coach and Founder (Compassionate Coaching), this program highlights why good communication skills can help family members deal with aging-related issues and how best to talk about them. The episode includes a conversation between two family members about an aging-related issue and how assistance from a communication skills coach can make such conversations more beneficial.