Exploring heathy aging with Drs. Jon Hallberg and Tseganesh Selameab through the 4M’s framework of Mobility, Mentation (more commonly thought of as mood and memory), Medication and What Matters to older adults, all with an artistic lens. This is a co-production with the Center for the Art of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Aging Together In New York
Aging Together in New York
WXXI and public media stations across New York State address social isolation among older adults with a new initiative, “Aging Together in New York.” Working in collaboration with the New York State Office For the Aging, WXXI and NYS public media stations.
“Aging Together in New York” will draw attention to the value of older adults in our communities and provide resources to help seniors build resilience and combat social isolation. Public broadcasters across the state will reach older adults on broadcast television and radio, online, and at in-person events with new documentaries, short films, and other engaging content.
About the Initiative Content:
About The Aging Together In New York Initiative
Public media stations across New York state are collaborating on a multi-platform project addressing social isolation among older adults through news coverage, shared personal stories, modeling healthy relationships, building community and providing resources for seniors that reduce isolation and build resiliency. Funding is provided in part by the New York State Education Department with collaboration from the NYS Office of the Aging. Listen to the stories and talk show podcasts on-demand.
Local WXXI News Coverage: Read & Listen to stories on-demand here
Connections with Evan Dawson Live Talk Show Podcasts from WXXI News
October 12, 2023 Podcast: How can the arts impact our lives as we age?
May 19, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Thomas Connors, Jr. and Nicholas Verzella on their 90-year friendship
May 15, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Discussing one approach to aging in place
May 15, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Supporting older adults as they experience different factors of aging
September 16, 2022 Podcast: Author John Leland on his book, “Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old”
This program is part of The Aging Together In New York, an initiative funded by the New York State Education Department that has called on NYS public media organizations to create a multi-platform project to help address mental health and addiction throughout the state. The project includes broadcast offerings, online content, and special events, like this screening. The NYS stations will also work to create comprehensive digital teaching tools, online learning, and essential instructional content.
The Eternal Memory
Screening on Thursday, September 8, 2023 at 7:15 p.m. at The Little Theatre
WXXI is pleased to be a community partner for the presentation of this ONE TAKE DOC film that shares an epic love story that transcends time and memory. See the Trailer
PROGRAMS THAT ALREADY AIRED:
Young at Heart: Empowering Older Adults Statewide Virtual Screening Event On-Demand
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 7 p.m. online
WXXI and the other NYS stations hosted a virtual screening of Young@Heart with subject-area experts as they explore strategies for combatting senior isolation in conversation with members of the Young@Heart Chorus.
Special programming includes:
Connections with Evan Dawson
Monday, May 15, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on WXXI News/NPR
In our first hour, a special broadcast previously recorded at St. Johns in Rochester. During this conversation in front of a live audience, a panel of experts explores issues important to older adults and those who care for them. The discussion includes points about social isolation, maintaining friendships, caregiving, and how to reconcile the different factors of aging. Click here to listen to the hour.
Then in our second hour, we continue our conversation about aging by exploring one option for caregiving: aging in place. Brothers Mark and Tom McDermott founded Touching Hearts at Home in 2007 — three years after their mother was diagnosed with cancer. They say during her illness, they came to understand the importance of having qualified compassionate caregivers in her home. Click here to listen to the hour.
Young @ Heart’s 40th Anniversary Show
Monday, May 15, 2023 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
What started out in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project to joyfully pass the time instead of passing before your time, The Young@Heart Chorus developed into a stereotype-defying, generation-crossing musical extravaganza. Join the world’s “oldest” rock group for a celebration of their 40th anniversary live on stage.
Show Must Go On! On-Demand
Aired Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Four women who prove it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
Young @ Heart: Strong in Song On-Demand (See The Young @ Heart Youtube Channel)
Aired Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Meet the world’s oldest rockers: The Young@Heart Chorus! The Young@Heart Chorus continues to prove it’s “possible to grow old without growing boring.”
Lives Well Lived Watch the Trailer
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 5 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This show celebrates the wisdom of people 75-100, and their insights for living. Click here for the trailer.
Art + Medicine: Healthy Aging On-Demand
Aired Sunday, May 21 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Exploring healthy aging with Drs. Jon Hallberg and Tseganesh Selameab through the 4M’s framework of mobility, mentation, medication and what matters to older adults, all with an artistic lens.
Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons (Watch the Trailer)
Aired Sunday, May 21 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Learn more about this music program for senior musicians whose skills range from novice to seasoned.
Aging Matters: Aging with Pride On-Demand
Aired Friday, June 16, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the United States, with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population – over 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030 with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million.
WXXI joins all nine public television stations throughout New York in the Aging Together in New York initiative. Stations will continue to examine the issue and share critical resources to combat social isolation and loneliness as the effort continues until the end of the year.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc., St. John’s, and OASIS Rochester
On-Demand Programs, News and Resources
WXXI News Coverage of Aging Together In NY News Stories & Talk Shows On-Demand
Aging with Pride On-Demand
Art + Medicine: Healthy Aging On-Demand
Show Must Go On: On-Demand
Young@Heart: Empowering Older Adults Panel Discussion On-Demand
Young@Heart: Strong in Song On-Demand
Young@Heart’s 40th Anniversary Show On-Demand
Speaking Grief Documentary & Resources On-Demand
Our League On-Demand
Senior Prom On-Demand
Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons On-Demand
Our Sponsors
Sponsored by:
The New York State Public Media Aging Together In New York, an initiative funded by the New York State Education Department that has called on NYS public media organizations to create a multi-platform project to help promote knowledge of healthy aging and challenges throughout the state. The project includes broadcast offerings, online content, and special screening events. The NYS stations will also work to create news features, podcasts, and connections to educational and resources services.
WXXI joins all nine public television stations throughout New York in the Aging Together in New York initiative. Stations will continue to examine the issue and share critical resources to combat social isolation and loneliness as the effort continues until the end of the year.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc., St. John’s, and OASIS Rochester
Aging with Pride On-Demand
LGBTQIA+ older adults face unique social, economic and health challenges. Organizations and individuals are working to address loneliness and access to competent, affirming healthcare and assisted living communities. We shine a light on what many in the Stonewall Generation have had to endure and fight for in the hopes of effecting positive community change in the ongoing pursuit of equality.
WXXI News Coverage of Aging Together In NY News Stories & Talk Shows On-Demand
Public media stations across New York state are collaborating on a multi-platform project addressing social isolation among older adults through news coverage, shared personal stories, modeling healthy relationships, building community and providing resources for seniors that reduce isolation and build resiliency. Funding is provided in part by the New York State Education Department with collaboration from the NYS Office of the Aging. Listen to the stories and talk show podcasts on-demand.
Local WXXI News Coverage: Read & Listen to stories on-demand here
Reframing Aging: A local alliance wants to change people’s view of older adults (LISTEN • 5:17) from February 12, 2024. The Monroe County Aging Alliance is in the midst of a yearlong effort to change attitudes and perceptions of older adults.
New York Public News Network Audit finds state still has work to do to address nursing home pandemic issues (LISTEN • 3:57) from December 20, 2023 New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said a follow-up audit to a 2022 report by his office finds the state health department has made some improvements since the height of COVID-19, when thousands of elderly people died in the nursing homes. 
Local News For family caregivers, extra costs of tending to loved ones exact toll (LISTEN • 4:55) November 27, 2023 Research shows that providing uncompensated care for a parent, sibling or other close relative or friend can be a drain on one’s bank account.
Local News– Online resource Trualta helps fill knowledge gaps for family caregivers from November 22, 2023 For anyone thrust into a caregiver role, it can feel like drowning, having to quickly get up to speed on medications, bills, legal paperwork, assess care options — the fit, the quality and the cost. An online resource called Trualta provides free web-based training, tips and other resources.
Local News – AARP leads discussion about challenges for Rochester’s rapidly growing 65+ population from September 28, 2023 The study says that Rochester has the second-highest rate of older adult poverty of any county or city in the state, with 22% of its 65+ population living below the poverty line.
Local News– Avoiding loneliness is a challenge for some older adults living on their own May 17, 2023 About a third of people between the ages of 50 and 80 say they experience loneliness. It poses serious physical and emotional health risks. In this part of a series exploring social isolation, Jo-Ann Spring of Webster finds ways to cope. LISTEN • 4:09
Local News ‘I needed to be around people’: She didn’t want to be lonely as she aged. Here’s what she did from May 16, 2023 When her husband got dementia, Liz Sabo realized she needed to find connections with other adults. Here’s how she changed her life. LISTEN • 5:43
Local News-FDA approves first RSV vaccine for older adults from May 5, 2023. The FDA approved GSK’s vaccine, Arexvy, on Wednesday for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in people 60 and older.
Local News–This home health care agency is working with Black church leaders to help older adults from April 19, 2023.The home health aid agency HCR Cares has launched a new initiative to get more Black families in Rochester the at-home care they need for their senior members. LISTEN • 1:36
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand outlines Master Plan on Aging during St. Regis Mohawk Tribe visit from April 13, 2023. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe recently to outline a five-point Master Plan on Aging her office is developing. LISTEN • 3:47
Connections with Evan Dawson Live Talk Show Podcasts from WXXI News
December 20, 2023 Podcast: What should we know about diagnosis and symptoms for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
December 20, 2023 Podcast: Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
December 19, 2023 Podcast: Addressing higher rates of suicide among older men
October 12, 2023 Podcast: How can the arts impact our lives as we age?
May 19, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Thomas Connors, Jr. and Nicholas Verzella on their 90-year friendship
May 15, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Discussing one approach to aging in place
May 15, 2023 Podcast: Aging Together: Supporting older adults as they experience different factors of aging
September 16, 2022 Podcast: Author John Leland on his book, “Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old”
This program is part of The Aging Together In New York, an initiative funded by the New York State Education Department that has called on NYS public media organizations to create a multi-platform project to help address mental health and addiction throughout the state. The project includes broadcast offerings, online content, and special events, like this screening. The NYS stations will also work to create comprehensive digital teaching tools, online learning, and essential instructional content.
The Eternal Memory
Screening/discusssion on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:15 p.m. at The Little Theatre
WXXI is pleased to be a community partner for the presentation of this ONE TAKE DOC film that shares an epic love story that transcends time and memory in the face of Alzheimer’s. See the Trailer
PROGRAMS THAT ALREADY AIRED:
Young at Heart: Empowering Older Adults Statewide Virtual Screening Event On-Demand
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 7 p.m. online
WXXI and the other NYS stations hosted a virtual screening of Young@Heart with subject-area experts as they explore strategies for combatting senior isolation in conversation with members of the Young@Heart Chorus.
Special programming includes:
Connections with Evan Dawson
Monday, May 15, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on WXXI News/NPR
In our first hour, a special broadcast previously recorded at St. Johns in Rochester. During this conversation in front of a live audience, a panel of experts explores issues important to older adults and those who care for them. The discussion includes points about social isolation, maintaining friendships, caregiving, and how to reconcile the different factors of aging. Click here to listen to the hour.
Then in our second hour, we continue our conversation about aging by exploring one option for caregiving: aging in place. Brothers Mark and Tom McDermott founded Touching Hearts at Home in 2007 — three years after their mother was diagnosed with cancer. They say during her illness, they came to understand the importance of having qualified compassionate caregivers in her home. Click here to listen to the hour.
Young @ Heart’s 40th Anniversary Show
Monday, May 15, 2023 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
What started out in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project to joyfully pass the time instead of passing before your time, The Young@Heart Chorus developed into a stereotype-defying, generation-crossing musical extravaganza. Join the world’s “oldest” rock group for a celebration of their 40th anniversary live on stage.
Show Must Go On! On-Demand
Aired Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Four women who prove it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
Young @ Heart: Strong in Song On-Demand (See The Young @ Heart Youtube Channel)
Aired Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Meet the world’s oldest rockers: The Young@Heart Chorus! The Young@Heart Chorus continues to prove it’s “possible to grow old without growing boring.”
Lives Well Lived Watch the Trailer
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 5 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This show celebrates the wisdom of people 75-100, and their insights for living. Click here for the trailer.
Art + Medicine: Healthy Aging On-Demand
Aired Sunday, May 21 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Exploring healthy aging with Drs. Jon Hallberg and Tseganesh Selameab through the 4M’s framework of mobility, mentation, medication and what matters to older adults, all with an artistic lens.
Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons (Watch the Trailer)
Aired Sunday, May 21 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Learn more about this music program for senior musicians whose skills range from novice to seasoned.
Aging Matters: Aging with Pride On-Demand
Aired Friday, June 16, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV
New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the United States, with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population – over 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030 with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million.
WXXI joins all nine public television stations throughout New York in the Aging Together in New York initiative. Stations will continue to examine the issue and share critical resources to combat social isolation and loneliness as the effort continues until the end of the year.
Special thanks to our sponsors: Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc., St. John’s, and OASIS Rochester
Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons On-Demand
Learn more about this music program for senior musicians whose skills range from novice to seasoned.
New Horizons defies the notion that “retirement means sitting on your sofa all day, watching television, and waiting to die.” That’s how Dr. Roy Ernst, professor emeritus at Eastman School of Music and New Horizons founder, puts it.
Marian found respite during a time of trouble. George found his life partner. Marjorie found something she’d thought she’d lost forever. They all found more than they bargained for when they joined the New Horizons Music Program, a program for senior musicians whose skills range from novice to seasoned. Marian, George, Marjorie and others share how they found a new connection to music and so much more in this hour-long documentary.
Dr. Ernst explains in the documentary, is that anyone can learn to play music at a personal level that will bring a sense of accomplishment. That feeling of accomplishment and being part of something is a basic human need. Like band member David, who took up the trombone at age 82, says “If you don’t have something to occupy your time and your mind, you degenerate health wise.”
“When you play a great piece of music you’re in the presence of something far greater than yourself,” explains RPO Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. And that’s exactly what New Horizons members experience. Whether they have rekindled, or found for the first time, their passion for music and performing – they are part of something bigger than themselves. Along the way, they have discovered new abilities, formed life-long friendships, and proved to us all that life is a journey, not a race.
What started as a 30-member band in Rochester, New York more than 20 years ago has grown to a program that includes 10,000 musicians in 215 New Horizons bandsacross the United States, as well as in Canada, Ireland, Australia, and several other countries.
Watch the Full Documentary On-Demand:
Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons was funded in part by Eastman School of Music, New Horizons, and the Waldron Rise Foundation.
Meet Marin
Marian plays the cello in the Eastman New Horizons Orchestra.
Marian shares her love of the cello and her passion to play in Music for Life: The New Horizons, premiering on WXXI-TV Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. The hour-long documentary chronicles the New Horizons International Music Association, founded by Dr. Roy Ernst in 1991 in Rochester, NY. New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, who were active in school music programs but haven’t played in years, as well as those with no musical experience. To learn more about the documentary, click here.
Watch this short clip from Music for Life featuring Marian:
Meet Bud
Bud plays the drums in the Eastman New Horizons Band.
Bud was interviewed for WXXI’s newest documentary, Music for Life: The New Horizons, which premieres Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. The hour-long documentary chronicles the New Horizons International Music Association, founded by Dr. Roy Ernst in 1991 in Rochester, NY. New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, who were active in school music programs but haven’t played in years, as well as those with no musical experience. To learn more about the documentary, click here.
Watch this short clip from Music for Life featuring Budd:
Meet Thomas Dooley, the documentary producer
Television producer Thomas Dooley talks with Classical 91.5 morning host Brenda Tremblay about his newest production, Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons.
Tom shares with Brenda some of the amazing people he met while filming the documentary, Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons, which premieres on WXXI-TV Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. The film chronicles the New Horizons International Music Association, founded by Dr. Roy Ernst in 1991 in Rochester, NY. New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, who were active in school music programs but haven’t played in years, as well as those with no musical experience.
Play It Foward
Eastman New Horizons’ band member Beverly Maville-Letter shares the history of New Horizons Mentor Program.
George Eastman’s philanthropic efforts in Rochester, NY are legendary, but his founding of Eastman School of Music and its sister school, Eastman Community Music School reflected his passion for music by offering training for musicians from childhood on. In 1919, Eastman also provided $15,000 for band and orchestra instruments for Rochester school children.
Fast forward to 1991, when Eastman’s vision expanded with the founding of New Horizons. Eastman could not have known how the legacy he left through Eastman School of Music and Community School would become a global phenomenon through Roy Ernst and New Horizons. At the same time in Rochester, urban schools were struggling to provide any extra instructional enrichment.
Through an unusual set of circumstances a connection was made with Clinton Bell, principal at Rochester School #22, who also dreamed that his school would have a band program. Stephen Georger, a faculty member and general music teacher, recruited a select group of 16 students (good grades required) and by January there were 12 New Horizon mentors who gave an hour a week. After working hard, the fledgling band made its debut at a mini-concert in March, then performed in their Spring Concert with smiling parents, faculty, and mentors proudly looking on in June.
One young musician expressed a desire to audition at Rochester School of the Arts. He had just started studying the sax in January 2014. He worked hard as his mentors helped him prepare an audition piece and two scales. Our young saxophonist passed his audition and has just begun his first year in middle school at the School of the Arts.
In May, Eastman New Horizons welcomed the new band as guests to our annual Spring Concert at Kodak Hall, the beautiful concert hall of Eastman School of Music. The children were treated to a limo ride and dinner before the concert, and were recognized in the concert for their hard work and dedication.
“Playing It Forward” is our mantra, picking up on what was started in 1919 with George Eastman’s gift of band instruments to Rochester children and helping renew the music program in the city, where more musical ideas are beginning district wide. The children and mentors are all thriving in an atmosphere of deep respect and affection. The Band Program in School #22 has grown to almost 40 members and over 20 volunteer mentors. George Eastman would have been pleased.
This blog was written by Eastman New Horizons’ band member Beverly Maville-Letter.
New Horizons is the subject of WXXI’s newest documentary, “Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons,” premiering on WXXI-TV December 4 at 8 p.m. and streaming live at WXXI.org/musicforlife. In the hour-long program you’ll meet New Horizon founder Dr. Ernst, who shares why he felt compelled to start the music program for seniors and many of the New Horizons’ musicians, who rekindled or found, for the first time, their passion for music. You’ll also learn more about the mentor program that Beverly talks about .