Ohio Department of Aging
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Finer With Age is a half-hour television talk show produced by the Department of Aging and Ohio Government Television. Each month, Director Barbara E. Riley discusses services, benefits, and other topics of interest for older Ohioans and their families. She also meets outstanding Ohioans who exemplify the notion that we do, indeed, get Finer With Age.
The show is broadcast on select cable access and public broadcasting stations throughout the state. Check your local listings or contact your cable provider for air times.
Recent Programs - Click on the title to view that episode.
2008 Elder Caregiving Awards and Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Watch the May 22, 2008, ceremony in which the Department of Aging honored 15 selfless caregivers with the Elder Caregiving Award, and inducted 13 outstanding Older Ohioans into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Watch it now.
Order on DVD or VHS from the Ohio Channel Store.
Director Riley chats with Christine Merritt, executive vice president of the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, and Jonathon McGee, executive director of the Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association, who explain what the digital TV transition means to us and how we can ensure we will still receive our favorite shows when TV stations make the switch to digital-only broadcasts in February. Then, the director speaks with Assistant State Tourism Director Alicia Reece, who shares her insight on the autumn adventures Ohioans can enjoy close to home.
Watch it now.
Jean Backs, Ohio State Parks spokesperson, and Lynn Boydelatour, chief naturalist for Ohio State Parks, talk with Director Riley about the beauty and wonder of Ohio's more than 1,000 miles of scenic woodland trails and 174,000 acres of land and water resources. Then, John Saulitis, the Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman for our Area Agency on Aging in Youngstown, explains how easy it is file a tax return and qualify for an economic stimulus check from the U.S. Government. Finally, Director Riley gives viewers an overview of recommendations a statewide workgroup submitted to the Governor and General Assembly about how to implement a Unified Long-term Care Budget in Ohio.
Watch it now.
Director Riley chats with Kathy Rhoads, of Rhoads Farm Market in Circleville, and Jennifer Fralic, a dietitian with LifeCare Alliance, about the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables available at Ohio's 600 farm markets, roadside markets, farmers' markets and pick-your-own produce vendors. Then, she discusses with Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, and Vince Chase, executive director of the Foodbank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties, about the rising number of seniors who are turning to food pantries for help as they struggle to pay for necessities on fixed incomes. Finally, we meet Bill Keating, who shares his story as a faithful and loving caregiver prior to his wife's death and reminds us that, without notice, many husbands can be thrust into a role that may be drastically different from the one they are accustomed to, but for which they make sacrifices and hard choices out of love.
Watch it now.
Director Riley first talks with Teri R. Alexander, of Alexander Financial Planning, about planning financially for long-term care. Then, she meets Melissa Rumer, a social worker with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and Bev Hockman. Bev turned to the area agency on aging when she needed help for her father and has taken advantage of the free personal assessment services they offer. Then, meet Carol Baker, an 84 year old fitness instructor, will guide viewers through basic stretching exercises.
Watch it now.
Director Riley welcomes Ramona Williams, who was a victim of financial exploitation. With Ramona is Dave Kessler, who helped Ramona through her experience and offers viewers information on how to prevent, recognize and get help with elder abuse. Then, we meet Betty Pariso, the oldest competitor in the Ms. International competition at The Arnold Sports Festival, the largest fitness celebration in the world, who shares her insights into strength training for people over 50.
Watch it now.
Director Riley talks with Bill Vedra, of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, about severe weather preparedness. Then, we travel to the National Weather Service offices in Wilmington to learn more about weather prediction and the public warning system. Finally, the director meets Pastor Dick and Mardelle Barrell, who were recently named a 2008 Joined Hearts in Giving Couple. Watch it now.
First, Director Riley talks with Dr. Paul Zeeb, of the American Heart Association, about heart health issues, particularly as we age. Then, she chats with three unique seniors about dating in late life, including one who is using the Internet to find companionship. Finally, Jennifer Bitterman, of Ohio KePro, discusses the rights of people on Medicare regarding hospital discharge. Watch it now.
Jim Wing works for CVS Pharmacies in a unique arrangement that allows him to work part of the year in Ohio and winter in Florida, while still working. He shares his experiences as an older worker with Director Riley. Then, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel makes a home visit to help an older resident identify ways he can make his home more energy efficient. Watch it now.
Dr. Alvin Jackson, from the Ohio Department of Health, chats with Director Riley about what we can do to prevent getting the flu. Getting a yearly influenza vaccination remains your best defense. Then, Steve LeMoine, of the Westminster-Thurber Community in central Ohio, tells us why it's important to remember to visit a nursing home during the holiday season. Watch it now.
You're never too old to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. Ken Slenkovich, Director of Smoking Cessation Services for the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation, and Dr. Tom Houston, Director of the Ohio Health Nicotine Dependence Program at McConnell Health discuss the benefits of stopping and the different types of smoking cessation programs. Then, Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, helps viewers navigate the maze of Medicare open ernrollment. Watch it now.
Director Riley chats with Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Bruner who, in addition to being the state's top elections officer, is also a geriatrician. Bruner explains the voter registration process and recent changes to voting processes that may affect older voters. Watch it now.
Treasurer Richard Cordray made older Ohioans a focus quickly after taking office. His office and the Ohio Department of Aging have recently introduced Seniors & Money, a free, two-hour workshop about protecting your financial health, including how to avoid identity theft and financial scams. Director Riley chats with Treasurer Cordray about the topic. Then, Connie Wilt shares her love of knowledge and for Ohio as a tour guide at the Ohio Statehouse. Watch it now.
Ohio Department of Aging