AUGUSTA – Senior Spectrum, an agency that offers independent living options to mature adults and their families, invites the public to tune into its January “Mature Lifestyle” cable television program on Adelphia Channel 9 to learn more about reverse mortgages, an option that makes it financially possible for seniors to stay in their homes.

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors over the age of 62 to convert the equity in their home into tax-free income without selling their home or taking on a new monthly mortgage payment. There are no restrictions on how the money can be used. It may be used to pay off bills and taxes, health-care expenses or to take a vacation.

January’s program, “Your Home May Finance Your Future,” was taped at Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell. The panel of guests covers all elements of applying for and receiving a reverse mortgage.

Steve Dill, reverse mortgage consultant from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, will talk about the advantages and pitfalls of reverse mortgages. Tia Knapp is an information specialist from Senior Spectrum, one of the two area agencies on aging that offers reverse mortgage counseling in Maine. Everett Trask, a reverse mortgage recipient, will talk about his experience in applying for a reverse mortgage and what it has meant for his financial security.

Senior Spectrum is involved as a consumer advocate, to make sure people have the basic understand of a reverse mortgage and to offer alternatives when appropriate.

The television program is a live studio talk show hosted by Libby Mitchell, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, and produced by Senior Spectrum and Adelphia Network 9. It is broadcast three times each week. The show airs at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. It reaches audiences in central and western Maine and parts of southern Maine.

The public is invited to call the Senior Spectrum’s information and help line at 1-800-639-1553 for more details; to join the volunteer corps; or to request a bulletin. The agency is located at www.seniorspectrum.com.