The Cupertino Courier
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Japan looks to create its own 'Better Part'
By ERIN HUSSEY
For almost 25 years, Cupertino senior citizens have volunteered their time to create The Better Part television program, a show for seniors by seniors. The show's producers have interviewed doctors, attorneys, scientists and community members, basing their topics of interest on what they hear within the senior community.
But on Sept. 12, the members of The Better Part weren't doing the interviewing. Their guest, Kyoko Takahashi, a journalist and University professor from Japan, flew to the area to ask the members how the program worked.
"The idea that seniors produce a program for seniors is fascinating," Takahashi said.
"In Japan, the society is aging rapidly, and I think we are one of the oldest aging countries in the world. By 2025, one out of five or one out of four will be over 60, so we need to seek how we can live lively when we reach that certain age and I think this is one of the solutions."
Takahashi, who found out about The Better Part program when one of her university colleagues visited Cupertino in 2000, wants to start a similar program in Japan. But when Takahashi contacted Val Jeffery, one of the executive producers of the program, little did she know her inquiry for a few interviews would turn into an honorary membership and a day of playing host on the set of The Better Part.
"It was exciting to receive a request from Japan," Jeffery said.
"I think that's an honor, and that's why I thought, 'instead of just greeting her and talking with her, let's make her part of a program, let her feel what it's like to be on our program.' "
On Tuesday, Takahashi took part in the program's weekly planning meeting at the Cupertino Senior Center. She was able to view one of the upcoming programs, listen to the members critique it and get a feel for how The Better Part team runs its production.
"We work with a very integrated team," said Andrea Dorey, executive producer. "If there is something I don't know, there is someone standing next to me who is an expert, and I love that."
The Better Part, which grew from an idea of a DeAnza College student in 1983, now has about 25 volunteers. Each knows how to do almost every part of the production, from editing to hosting to running the teleprompter to working the cameras. The show is taped at the KMVT15 studio in Mountain View. Each volunteer must take a basic course before working in the studio. The program continues to flourish through the camaraderie of its production team.
"I feel like every week I learn something new," said Diane Benedetti, third executive producer. "I think even if no one watched us, we would still be a group because we enjoy so much what we do, but it's wonderful that we are reaching so many."
The Better Part's mission was inspired by a quotation from Robert Browning: "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be, that last of life for which the first was made." Enhancing area seniors' quality of life is the program's mission.
In addition to experiencing a day in the life of a Better Part team member, Takahashi was also able to interview Brian Szabo, executive director of KMVT15. "In terms of starting a new station, there are several approaches," Szabo said. "Start with reaching out to the community, approaching the city council or contacting local businesses. But do your homework on the business side and find out what your budget is."
"The seniors here are very energetic, and to be honest I didn't expect such professional work, but I was really amazed," Takahashi said.
"When I come back next time, I would like to be able to say that we have started a Japanese version of The Better Part."
The program featuring Takahashi is scheduled to air in February. For local listings, visit www.kmvt15.org. For more information on 'The Better Part,' call the Cupertino Senior Center at 408.777.3150.
