"Aging in America" on HealthSmart

The half-hour program, HealthSmart: Aging in America, broadcast initially on WITF-TV (Public Television; Harrisburg, PA) on November 24, 2010, asks the question: "What does a senior citizen look like in today's world?"

This program's response:  "We all know someone who is over the age of 65 and living life to the fullest."  The program examines the demographic wave of new 65+ citizens, and then considers their lifestyles and challenges.

The HealthSmart series of broadcasts is produced and hosted by Keira McGuire:

WITF's Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominated, in-studio, locally produced 30-minute health show features the medical topics that are on everyone's mind.

Local experts give practical advice on how to beat the odds and live healthier and happier, everyday. And local survivors share their touching stories to help our audience understand various diseases and conditions. 

Intended to appeal to health-conscious viewers, HealthSmart targets anyone who is looking for practical "real life" ways to live healthier every day. The focus of the series is on useful information that can be incorporated into daily life. * * *

This episode about Aging in America highlighted the expanding class of new seniors:

Soon, the first of over 75 million baby boomers will begin to earn senior citizen status.  On the next episode of HealthSmart we'll talk to baby boomers about the future.  Are they planning to slow down?  How can they stay sharp as they age?  What should they know about Medicare? * * *

If you are interested in learning why the "baby boomers" comprise "one generation that seems to be redefining the rules of aging," then watch the program online.  The graphics are pleasing, the hostess is attractive, the factual background is simply presented, the interviews of professionals (like Penn State Professor Melissa Hardy and PA Department of Aging Secretary John Michael Hall) are insightful, and the glimpses into individual lifestyles of new-age seniors are inspiring.

The theme that I derive from the program -- consistent with the Baby Boomer generation's earlier theme sung by Bob Dylan -- could be "The Times They Are a-Changin'.  The program addresses emerging challenges and opportunities, magnified due to the size of the new Senior Class.

The program is now available online for post-broadcast viewing.  The series is underwritten by Capitol Blue Cross.

Come senators, congressmen,
Please heed the call.
Don't stand in the doorway.
Don't block up the hall.
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled . . . .

-- Bob Dylan

in The Times They Are a-Changin'

(January, 1964)