Ask most people and they’ll say they would prefer to remain in their own homes as they age; in other words, they want to age in place. But doing so is fraught with challenges such as climbing stairs, reaching upper cabinets, bathing safely, etc. There are also concerns about the surrounding community: Is there transportation; are there activities and social gatherings to make life enjoyable?
The fifth documentary in Nashville Public Television’s NPT Reports: Aging Matters series examines what it takes for Tennesseans to successfully age in place. Aging Matters: Aging in Place will look at challenges and solutions through conversations with Tennesseans facing these decisions now.
Aging Matters: Aging in Place premieres Thursday, May 28, at 8 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion on related topics.
In the documentary, we look at the village movement model in Sewanee, Tennessee, where a cooperative non-profit is helping community members stay in their homes. We will see a national senior transportation model at work in Lexington, Kentucky. Viewers will also learn how a North Nashville neighborhood association is trying to fill in the gaps for elder residents. Lastly, we will learn what happens when a family reaches the limits of caring for a loved one at home.
“This latest program starts a conversation that will get us thinking about what is possible and what we can expect as we age,” said NPT producer Will Pedigo. “We can then create the kind of community that will make living at home feasible.”
Pedigo co-produced the previous documentary in the series – “Aging Matters: Economics of Aging” – and also produced programs in NPT’s “Children’s Health Crisis” and “Next Door Neighbors” series.
The NPT Reports: Aging Matters series is hosted by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Kathy Mattea. Aging Matters: Aging in Place is made possible by the generous support of Cigna-Healthspring, the West End Home Foundation, the HCA Foundation and the Jeanette Travis Foundation.
Additional broadcast times for Aging Matters: Aging in Place are below; the documentary will also be available for viewing on our website, wnpt.org.
Monday, June 1, 8 a.m. on NPT2
Tuesday, June 2, 1 p.m. on NPT2
Saturday, June 6, 7 p.m. on NPT2
Sunday, June 7, 8 a.m. on NPT2
Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. on NPT2
Friday, June 26, 7 p.m. on NPT