Educational Media Reviews Online

This program portrays the lives of 3 octogenarians who enjoy life. They live independently in a seniors’ residence high-rise in Los Angeles, and share with us their personalities. The filmmaker was able to make them comfortable so that they seem relaxed about the presence of the camera, and natural about visiting with us as if we were sitting with them. But these folk do not just sit.

One of them shows us her wardrobe, which she is proud of. We also go with her to her hairdresser, who has become a friend who watches out for her. Another allows us to accompany her to her weekly dance. The third, a former Cuban shares with us his counter-revolutionary passion and a phone call to his daughter in Spain.

Three different people, who each have a zest for living. Despite suffering the same physical ailments as any aging person would, these three share a positive outlook that is a good role model for seniors and those who work with them. May we all age gracefully.

Also reviewed in EMRO are More than Skin Deep, (2001) addressing just the aging and hairdressing element, and The Way Home: Finding Your Place in the Golden Years (2001) which explores living options. Most documentaries on aging and their living situation address long term care or residences where a higher level of supervision is provided. This program is very suitable for public libraries and also for academic programs where gerontology and aging are taught.