Educational Media Reviews Online

Although this DVD is ostensibly about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and oxygen use—and attitudes toward those who need it—it’s really about aging without apologies or regrets. Narrated by a charmingly upbeat 78-year-old woman with emphysema, Lois Perelman, this brief documentary addresses the numerous negative attitudes toward age and health issues associated with aging in this country. Certainly, the fears of these negative perceptions as focused on oxygen use in public by those suffering from COPD are included in the discussion led by Ms. Perelman. The viewer then sees her attending to daily tasks such as grocery shopping and even exercise class with her oxygen tank at hand. This helps to reinforce the narrator’s point that one can continue to live well with a serious chronic illness. In addition, society can learn to accept and even admire the individual human being who “just happens to need oxygen.” This would make a good introductory film for support groups and educational lectures alike. Recommended.