According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the number of older adults in the United States is unprecedented and expected to accelerate. In the Commonwealth, the Kentucky State Data Center reports that from 2010 to 2020 the median age of Kentuckians increased from 38.1 to 39.4 and people 65 and older increased from 13.3% to 17%, with projections to continue to rise.
For older adults and their families, there can be many questions related to the golden years along with increased health concerns such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia. Access to care and caregiving can also be a concern. KET has launched a year-long initiative called "The Next Chapter" that elevates the rewards and challenges of growing older.
As part of the series, KET is producing a special, Healthy Aging: A KET Forum, hosted by Wayne Tuckson, MD, with a live audience, on Thursday, May 23, in the KET Lexington Studios. Tuckson and an expert panel will discuss ways to promote optimal health as we age with maintenance of physical, social, and mental wellness practices.
University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Zain Guduru, MD, will be part of the panel. Guduru specializes in movement disorders at UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Neuroscience Institute. "Being part of this panel is an incredible opportunity to share insights on promoting healthy aging and in particular how movement disorders can impact the aging population. I’m looking forward to this time and engaging with the live audience will undoubtedly bring valuable perspectives and energy to the conversation," said Guduru.
KET is hoping to fill the audience with health professionals, older adult advocates and others interested in the topic. The program will broadcast statewide through KET’s 16 transmitter network on Monday, June 3, at 8/7 p.m., on KET.
Timeline of events Thursday, May 23 (ET):
12:30 p.m. – Arrive at KET Visitor Center (600 Cooper Drive, Lexington, 40502)
12:45 p.m. – Seating in studio and recording
2 p.m. – Production wraps and adjourn
Please RSVP your attendance to Haylee Rawlins (hrawlins@ket.org) or call (859) 258-7005.