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 broadcasters kick off this effort with a focused week of programming starting May 15th.

“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.

WXXI News Coverage of Related Issues

Aging Together in New York News Reports, Audio and Shows

PAST EVENTS:

The Eternal Memory
Thursday, September 8 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 trandscends time and memory. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

PROGRAMS THAT ALREADY AIRED:

Young at Heart: Empowering Older Adults Statewide Virtual Screening EvenT
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!
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
Thursday, May 18 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
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
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. Click here for the trailer.

Music for Life: The Story of New Horizons
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
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