Over 40 Content Categories Backed by Dr. Susie
At Telly (powered by ConnectCareHero), we’re committed to delivering meaningful engagement for older adults through evidence-based, socially enriching content. Backed by Dr. Susie Aguiñaga, our programming spans over 40 dynamic categories—from faith and fitness to Latinx culture and book clubs.
Each category is thoughtfully selected using case studies and the latest research to promote social health, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being in community and care-based settings. Whether your team is supporting memory care or independent living, Telly’s content library brings joy, purpose, and connection to every screen.
Meet Dr. Susie
Dr. Susie Aguiñaga, Ph.D. Kinesiology & Community Health
Dr. Aguiñaga is a Chicago native and the proud daughter of immigrants from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. She holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a leading expert in dementia and cognitive health research.
With a deep focus on health disparities and community-based interventions, Dr. Susie plays a vital role in shaping Telly's approach to content and engagement—ensuring it is rooted in both science and cultural relevance.
Explore Our Activity Blocks with Proven Impact
Designed with cultural relevance and backed by research, these blocks help communities connect, celebrate, and thrive.
Afro/Black Block, LatinX Block, Faith-Spiritual Block
Scientific Category
Culturally-tailored programming
Case Studies
Barrera Jr, Manuel, et al. "Cultural adaptations of behavioral health interventions: a progress report." Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 81.2 (2013): 196.
Barrera Jr, Manuel, et al. "Cultural adaptations of behavioral health interventions: a progress report." Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 81.2 (2013): 196.
Conclusion
The consideration of “language, culture, and context in such a way that it is compatible with the client’s cultural patterns, meanings, and values” enhance the acceptance, relevance, and effectiveness of programming.
Cooking Block, Lunch Block
Scientific Category
Culinary education/Healthy Diets
Case Studies
Alghamdi MM, Burrows T, Barclay B, Baines S, Chojenta C. Culinary Nutrition Education Programs in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review. J Nutr Health Aging. 2023;27(2):142-158. doi: 10.1007/s12603-022-1876-7. PMID: 36806869; PMCID: PMC9872757.
Conclusion
Providing cooking literacy and has shown to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables and improve dietary behaviors.
Step 3
Elevate Your organization
Keep staff informed, track compliance, and engage older adults like never before.
Explore:
All Solution Bundles
Step 3
Elevate Your organization
Keep staff informed, track compliance, and engage older adults like never before.
Explore:
All Solution BundlesBlack/African Heritage Content
Rooted in rhythm, storytelling, and cultural pride.
Scientific Category
Culturally-Tailored Programming for African and African-American Elders
Core Themes
- Music & Movement (e.g., gospel, drumming circles, Afrobeat)
- Oral Storytelling & Family History
- Spiritual Wellness & Faith-based programming
- Historical and Cultural Pride (e.g., Juneteenth, Black inventors, cuisine heritage)
Evidence-Based Insights
Cultural relevance in mental and physical health interventions significantly improves engagement and outcomes in African American older adults.
Conclusion
Integrating Black cultural traditions—through music, faith, food, and storytelling—builds trust, sparks joy, and reinforces community identity in care settings.
How Telly Can Help You
- Offer curated content like live gospel sing-alongs, historical Black trailblazer highlights, and storytelling hours rooted in African oral tradition.
- Celebrate key cultural moments (e.g., Black History Month, Juneteenth, MLK Day) with themed live programming and on-demand media.
- Track participation in culturally aligned programs to show impact and support wellness benchmarks for diverse populations.
Latin American / Latinx Content
Connection, celebration, and culture at the heart of every moment.
Scientific Category
Culturally Responsive Community Engagement
Core Themes
- Cultural Celebrations (e.g., Día de los Muertos, Las Posadas)
- Latin Music & Dance (e.g., mariachi, cumbia, boleros)
- Spanish Language Book Club or Telenovela Discussions
- Culinary Storytelling (e.g., making tamales, abuelita’s recipes)
Evidence-Based Insights
“Latino elders respond positively to interventions that reflect their language, cultural traditions, and collectivist values.”
Conclusion
Programming that embraces Latino cultural expressions enhances a sense of belonging, dignity, and emotional well-being among older adults.
How Telly Can Help You
- Deliver Spanish-first content with music, food, and stories that reflect your community’s rich Latin American heritage.
- Host culturally themed events with bilingual hosts for activities like Día de los Muertos tributes, Lotería game nights, and traditional recipe spotlights.
- Create customizable blocks to group Latinx-focused content, making it easy for staff to launch relevant programs with a tap.
Asian Traditions Content
Harmony, honor, and heritage in every session.
Scientific Category
Culturally-Adapted Wellness & Cognitive Support
Core Themes
- Tea Ceremonies & Mindfulness
- Storytelling via Proverbs or Calligraphy
- Music & Dance from Home Countries (e.g., Chinese opera, Korean drumming, Bollywood rhythms)
- Family & Generational Pride (oral history, ancestor honoring)
Evidence-Based Insights
“Incorporating traditional values like filial piety, spiritual practices, and native language improves participation and perceived well-being.”
Conclusion
Programs honoring Asian cultural traditions—like meditation, music, and intergenerational pride—create familiarity and comfort while boosting cognitive engagement.
How Telly Can Help You
- Offer culturally rooted wellness like Tai Chi sessions, guided tea rituals, and calligraphy tutorials led by culturally aligned instructors.
- Honor intergenerational values through storytelling videos and heritage-focused segments in languages such as Mandarin, Korean, and Tagalog.
- Use TELLY Analytics to identify which programs resonate most and adapt future engagement efforts to residents’ cultural needs.
Cognitive Wellness Content
Familiarity, structure, and sensory engagement for dementia care.
Scientific Category
Therapeutic Programming for Older Adults Living with Dementia
Core Themes
- Cognitive Stimulation
- Routine-based Music & Movement
- Sensory Engagement
- Emotional Connection & Belonging
- Consistency & Simplicity
Evidence-Based Insights
“Familiar, structured activities improve mood, reduce agitation, and support quality of life in individuals with dementia.”
Conclusion
Older adults living with dementia thrive when programming is predictable, sensory-rich, emotionally resonant, and based on familiar memories. Creating safe, structured experiences helps reduce stress and fosters joy.
How Telly Can Help You
- Deliver live-streamed and on-demand sessions like Reminiscence Bingo, chair exercises with golden-era music, and pet or nature videos designed for low-cognition settings.
- Offer customizable “Memory Playlists” aligned with personal timelines (e.g., 1940s–1970s music).
- Track engagement levels and staff-reported mood changes to inform care plans and wellness goals.
Reach Every Resident, in Their Language
Telly makes engagement truly inclusive. With support for over 9 languages across live and on-demand programming, your team can better serve diverse communities—whether residents speak Spanish, Mandarin, Polish, Korean, or more.
Whether it's a sing-along, cooking demo, or spiritual session, Telly empowers every resident to feel seen, heard, and at home in your community.
- Culturally relevant programming
- Language-specific content blocks
- Multilingual CareHero Vendors & closed captioning
A Sampling of Our 40+ Categories
