Seattle Channel Launches “AgeWise TV” Programming
AgeWise TV—a new series of programs produced for older adults—first aired on The Seattle Channel on June 25, 2020. AgeWise TV was the brainchild of Pike Market Senior Center staff and developed through community collaboration.
“We wanted a way to serve older adults who are missing out on learning and fitness opportunities while our center and senior centers throughout Seattle are closed due to COVID-19,” said Pike Market Senior Center director Jeanne Falls.
Pike Market Senior Center was quick to reach out to other senior centers, to agencies at the City of Seattle and King County that fund senior center activities, and to Seattle film producer and director Kay D. Ray.
“The senior centers were concerned about clients who lacked Internet access and its potential to keep people connected and learning,” said Ray. “While many older people lack Internet access, most have televisions.”
Ray reached out to video editor Susan Merrill. Together, they created 10 hour-long TV programs for the broadcast sponsor, The Seattle Channel.
“In the first program, older people enjoyed and took active part in yoga and Tai Chi classes presented by Pike Market Senior Center yoga and fitness instructors; made heart maps with an artist from the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s Art In Action program; and viewed documentaries by Seattle filmmaker Patricia Boiko (The Corporal’s Boots) and the Greenwood Senior Center (Living With Memory Loss: In Our Own Words),” said Ray.
The Seattle Channel broadcast schedule is posted approximately one week in advance. To watch AgeWise TV episodes online, visit the Seattle Channel for AgeWise TV among the listings.
Seattle Channel is an award-wining cable television station that reflects, informs, inspires, and connects people throughout the city. For more information, visit the Seattle Channel’s AgeWise TV feature page.
Pike Market Senior Center and most other senior centers in King County receive funding through the Seattle Human Services Department, Aging and Disability Services and/or the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.