Aging Matters TV show

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.

This Aging Matters TV Show episode highlights whole food, plant-based foods and why a plant-based diet can improve health. Guest Julia Kish Doto, PhD, Assistant Professor (Marymount University, College of Health and Education), describes benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet and how to begin eating it. Examples of plant-based foods and sample diet menus are provided.

The third episode of a three-part Aging Research series focuses on exploring the impact of home interior design to enhance older adults’ health and well-being. Guests Moira Gannon Denson, ASID, Associate Professor of Interior Architecture + Design, and Kaitlyn Doyle, Interior Architecture + Design graduate student (Marymount University), discuss creating optimal home interiors to promote longevity for older adult residents. Design materials used to construct safe environments will be demonstrated.

The second episode of a 3-part Aging Research series focuses on machine learning and gamification research to improve cognitive skills and physical movement in older adults. Guests Eric Bubar, PhD, founding Professor of Engineering, and Jenna Kniceley, Pre-Physical Therapy Student, Marymount University, discuss emerging technologies to support aging related research projects. Demonstrations of a computer “watching” an adult exercising and commenting on the form are provided.