Aging Matters TV show

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.

This episode focuses on personal fitness training and how, with the right exercise program, a personal trainer can help older adults boost their health and mobility as they age. David Nickum, Personal Trainer, talks about the benefits of exercise and physical activities for older adults, and David Root, Fitness Enthusiast, describes how he works with a personal trainer. The program features a trainer/client demonstration of individualized exercises to improve mobility, strength, and balance.

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.