Sage
By Nicole W. Brodsky, PhD

Average life spans in the West have increased by thirty years in the past century. More of us today have the privilege of focusing on the goal not simply of living longer but of living better, more energetically, more creatively. Sage celebrates the wisdom, experience, and creativity of our society's elders. Its eight portraits of active, engaged seniors, from diverse ethnic, religious, educational and socio-economic backgrounds, cover a broad spectrum of creative activities. They are pursuing lifetime interests — and some new ones as well — in philosophy, political activism, teaching, social service, business, the visual arts and writing. Among the seniors profiled is television chef Julia Child and programs for seniors including the Foster Grandparents Program, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and Harvard University's Institute for Learning in Retirement.

In their own words and voices, these thoughtful elders reflect on the process of growing older, the meaning of wisdom, and the importance of making a contribution. The documentary is a tribute to the gifts of age, and a vivid demonstration that later life can and should be a time of burgeoning creative freedom and possibility, with opportunities not only to hone existing skills but to explore new terrain as well. Sage will spark discussion between the generations and will act as a catalyst for elder imagination and action.

DVD version has both closed-captions and audio description.

47 minutes
© 2005
Purchase $129 DVD
Order No. QA-434
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-818-9

Reviews
"The best film I have seen! Shows the valuable contributions seniors have to give and the critical impact that sharing their experience and wisdom can have on their lives and the lives of others. Sage really brings home the message that seniors living active lives will live healthier lives as well." Maria Henley, Director of Foster Grandparents Program, Catholic Charities

"Nicole Brodsky portrays a deep understanding of what it is that is so fulfilling to both sides when younger folks remember the wisdom of our elder folks.” Linda Emanuel, MD, PhD, Director of the Buehler Center on Aging, Northwestern University

"An enlightened documentary. Sage reminds us of how disgraceful it is that in our youth-oriented society, the wisdom of elders is neither welcome nor revered. Brodsky's message is obvious: our sunset years don't have to be whiled away in rocking chairs; they can be marvelously creative and productive ones." Video Librarian

Awards & Conference Screenings
HeSCA - Best of Show, Gold Award and Silver Award
Western Psychological Association
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
Mature Media Awards - Gold Award
Beard Center Annual Aging Conference
American Society on Aging - Media Festival
Council on Social Work Education

Related Films
The Elder Project: An engaging collection of short stories from our diverse community of the elderly.

Old Enough to Know Better: The remarkable story of the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning, a University whose student body is composed entirely of retired persons.

Aging in America: This riveting documentary introduces us to aging athletes, activists, wranglers and strippers, and to inmates growing old in our nation's prisons. A compassionate, often surprising glimpse into the real lives of those who are reaching their "golden" years in the first part of the twenty-first century.

Acting Blind: Takes audiences behind the scenes as a company of non-professional actors rehearse a play about life without sight. The performers have no problem imagining themselves in these roles: they are blind themselves.

Growing Up and Growing Old: Who will care for the estimated 14 million people who will soon need long-term care? How will we pay for it? Meet several caregivers who are struggling daily with the problems of caring for elderly parents or clients.

The Way Home: This moving documentary introduces a variety of elders who are trying to find the best possible living situation for themselves or for their loved ones during their "golden years."

Gray Days: The U.S. has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of elderly men and women in state and federal prisons. This troubling documentary introduces us to two elderly prison inmates, inviting discussion of the universal issues raised by this situation.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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