Aging Matters TV show

In this episode of Aging Matters, host Cheryl Beversdorf explores the growing popularity of American Mahjong, a strategic tile-based game that blends skill, calculation, luck—and social connection. Originally from China and now enjoyed by players of all ages, mahjong has become especially popular among older adults for its cognitive, physical, and social benefits. Cheryl is joined by Krista Obitts, mahjong instructor at Talk Tiles to Me, a studio based in Falls Church, Virginia. Krista explains the different versions of mahjong, why the American version has surged in popularity, and how the game supports brain health, social engagement, and fine motor skills. Viewers will also see a hands-on beginner demonstration, as Krista and Tori Rittinger, founder of Talk Tiles to Me, guide Cheryl through the basics—covering tiles, racks, the mahjong card, game setup, and how to declare “Mahjong!” In this episode: -What mahjong is and how the American version works -Why older adults love the game—and its brain health benefits -Social and physical advantages of playing mahjong -Equipment, costs, and what beginners need to get started -How many lessons it typically takes to learn -Where to find local mahjong games, instructors, and communities -Playing mahjong online, tournaments, retreats, and travel events -How mahjong is attracting players of all ages Learn more about Talk Tiles to Me: Studio location: Falls Church, Virginia Website: TalkTilesToMe.com Instagram: @talktilestome Aging Matters is also available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other major platforms. Visit AgingMattersOnline.com for more TV episodes, podcasts, and aging-related resources. #AgingMatters #Mahjong #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #SeniorActivities #MindGames #SocialConnection #ActiveAging #FallsChurchVA #MahjongCommunity

In this uplifting episode of AGING MATTERS, host Cheryl Beversdorf explores how dance is transforming the lives of a dynamic group of older adult women in Washington, D.C. Meet the MC Steppers, a spirited senior dance troupe led by choreographer Monica Carroll, and hear directly from dancers Mary C. Harris, Olga Crawford, and Margaret Carter about why they dance, how the group builds community, and the joy that movement brings to their lives. Monica shares the health benefits of dance for older adults—from improved endurance and circulation to better mobility and social connection—and explains what it takes to join the group, including rehearsals, costumes, and performance preparation. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at an MC Steppers rehearsal at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center as the dancers prepare for upcoming 2026 events, plus clips from past performances. In this episode: -Ways dance supports physical and emotional well-being for older adults -History and evolution of the MC Steppers -Membership requirements and how dancers train -Importance of community, sisterhood, and staying active -Highlights from rehearsals and performances around the DMV -Upcoming appearances, including holiday and civic events To learn more: MC Steppers rehearse at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts Street NE, Washington, DC, 202-635-1900 Email choreographer Monica Carroll: monicacarroll@seaburyresources.org AGING MATTERS is also available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other major platforms. Visit AgingMattersOnline.com for more episodes and resources. #AgingMatters #SeniorDance #MCSteppers #HealthyAging #ActiveSeniors #DanceForWellness #SeniorFitness #WashingtonDC #AgingWell #CommunityHealth

Losing your balance isn’t just part of getting older — it can be a sign of underlying issues that impact independence and quality of life. In this episode of Aging Matters, host Cheryl Beversdorf welcomes Teri Deal, Physical Therapist and Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, to discuss the causes of balance problems, how to recognize early warning signs, and effective ways to prevent falls. Teri demonstrates real-world balance tests with a patient, explaining how physical therapists assess balance issues and design customized treatment plans. From changes in muscle strength and brain processing to the role of medications, this conversation highlights what older adults — and their families — need to know to stay active, confident, and safe. In this episode: -Causes and warning signs of balance loss -How balance testing helps identify fall risk -The emotional and physical impact of poor balance -Practical home exercises for better stability Guest: Teri Deal, PT, DPT, GCS – The Balance Center, Fairfax, VA Aging Matters is also available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other major platforms. Visit AgingMattersOnline.com for more episodes and resources. #AgingMatters #HealthyAging #FallPrevention #PhysicalTherapy #BalanceTraining #SeniorHealth #AgingWell #GeriatricCare

Discover how design and technology are transforming homes into healthier spaces for older adults. In this episode of AGING MATTERS, Cheryl Beversdorf speaks with Moira Denson, Associate Professor of Interior Architecture & Design at Marymount University, about creating optimal interiors that promote wellness, safety, and independence. From human-centered design to the use of AI tools that simulate vision changes like cataracts, this conversation explores practical solutions for aging in place, connecting with nature, safe layouts, healthy materials, and family collaboration in home design. Whether you’re a caregiver, designer, or older adult planning for the future, this episode shows how thoughtful design and smart technology can improve quality of life and support healthy aging at home. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how homes can adapt to us—rather than the other way around.

This TV Show episode is about musical theatre productions staged at older adult communities and focuses on how play themes and music entertain audiences. Guests Carolyn Oxenford and Daria Antonucci, members of Mini-Musicals on the Move, explain why musical theatre enhances older adult physical, mental, and emotional health. Scenes from a Mary Poppins production and a sing-along of its favorite musical numbers with cast and audience members are featured.

Older adults who participate in voice classes learn exercises that help improve their mental and physical health and provide a chance to sing favorite songs. This episode features Maestro Thomas Colohan, Vocal Vitality Instructor, who explains why voice training and singing can be learned at any age and enhance quality of life. A segment of an older adult voice class is featured along with testimonials about the activity by a resident enrichment director and several students.

This episode features fire prevention strategies and safety measures to help keep older adults and their families safe from fires and burns in their homes. Guest Fire/EMS Captain Robert Bowen, Community Risk Reduction Program Manager, Arlington County (Arlington County Virginia Fire Department), explains how to prevent home fires, and describes types of fire safety products to install in a private residence. He also discusses emergency communication in case of a fire and how to create a fire emergency escape plan.

Sydney Palinkas, Dementia Education and Outreach Coordinator (Regional Older Adult Facilities Mental Health Support Team - RAFT) talks about dementia among older adults, and common challenges family members face when providing care for their loved ones. She describes how technology and development of new devices help care partners living with someone with dementia. Later in the program, information will be provided about products and devices currently available to help improve the lives of care partners and family members with dementia.