A Cable Television Program for Older Adults
By MaryAnne Beatty
ALEXANDRIA,VA–Did you know that Senior Services of Alexandria produces a monthly 30-minute television program just for older adults in Alexandria? It’s called Senior Living in Alexandria and airs on Alexandria Comcast Channel 70 every Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and Arlington’s Comcast 69 several times during the week. You can also watch it on YouTube, and the most recent episode is always on the homepage of SSA’s website: seniorservicesalex.org
SSA is always looking for new ways to get the word out to older adults about the programs and services available in the City of Alexandria. Arlington Independent Media is a local nonprofit that uses volunteers to direct and produce programs of interest for the Alexandria and Arlington communities. SSA made the commitment to train staff and become members of AIM, and the partnership has been terrific.
“We didn’t know if we could pull it off,” said SSA’s Executive Director Mary Lee Anderson, “but we agreed to give it a try and five years later, it is still going strong.” The City of Alexandria’s Office of Public Information oversees airing the program on Channel 70.
The first episode was broadcast in October 2013 and featured SSA’s newly created Friendly Visitor Program. Jim Roberts agreed to help out as host of that first show, and he’s still at it today! Jim does a great job and would rival any of today’s network hosts in conducting lively interviews with guests who share important information about all that Alexandria has to offer older adults.
SSA has produced a show every month since its inception featuring local experts in the healthcare, legal, and education fields, as well as nutritionists and fitness gurus. There is a monthly communications calendar that features upcoming events. SSA is always trying to improve the show and would love to hear ideas for new features from the community. Make sure to check out the July program and share your comments with me at [email protected].
