A segment of US television programme ‘senior moments,’ hosted by health explorer and author Debra Koerner (known on-screen as Debra K) has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award.

The programme aims to “healthify” the nation and focuses on healthy ageing; the segment that’s nominated for the Emmy features spa and wellness industry icon Deborah Szekely, co-founder of the iconic Rancho La Puerta in Mexico.

Koerner, who also co-founded continuing education and consulting company imassage, Inc. and is former executive director of Destination Spa Group, is nominated as executive producer alongside producer Debra Locker and director Jason Parmer. Koerner said she believes the spa industry plays a vital role in healthy ageing, and has valuable stories that need to be told.

“When I began thinking about segments for ‘Senior Moments,’ the story of 94-year-old Deborah Szekely immediately came to mind,” Koerner said when the programme first aired. “I have always held the desire to share her story with a larger audience.”

‘Senior Moments’ began airing last autumn on US Public Broadcasting stations nationwide. Hospitality management software company ResortSuite underwrote the show.

“We have to do something right now to empower and educate our older population to keep them healthy and in their homes for as long as possible,” said Koerner, who is also executive producer of the show. “‘Senior Moments’ will help our older adults and their caretakers set a path toward wellness, and stop the crisis we are heading toward as our older population pressures our healthcare system.”

The Emmy awards ceremony is being held 5 August.

The programme is also nominated for an ISPA Innovate Award. Those awards will be given out at the annual ISPA Conference & Expo held 16-18 October in Las Vegas.

“Regardless of what I’m focusing on, I always hold the intention to inspire healthy change,” said Koerner. “The easiest way for me to do that is to always be willing to show up and to find amazing people and stories to share.”

You can watch the video here: