Age Is No Barrier; Healthy Aging

A pair of excellent programs on fitness and vitality in the golden years, these two programs are being introduced to the home video market for the first time through IVN's Wellspring Media. Produced by the National Film Board of Canada, Francis Damberger's Age Is No Barrier is a charming inspirational documentary about a group of seniors known as the "U of Agers." Comprised of 21 men and women between the ages of 55 and 77, the group has been touring Canada since 1986, astounding audiences with its acrobatic routines. These people are not retired athletes: they're everyday folk who decided that they wouldn't just sit around and watch sports and soap opera in the twilight of their lives, but instead get out and do fun things: like cartwheels. With more and more attention being paid to the mind/body connection, and less credence given to traditional notions of what seniors "can't" do, people are discovering that exercise will keep the joints limber and the body supple (just as surely as lack of exercise will produce just the opposite). One senior woman, in particular, was simply incredible: having both scoliosis and arthritis, this woman is still able to do full splits and head stands, and--in the film--she's learning the butterfly stroke. An outstanding testament to human capability, Age Is No Barrier is highly recommended and an Editor's Choice.Healthy Aging, originally shown on PBS stations in 1991, is an older title, but the information is basic, solid, and winningly presented. Hosted by Dr. Kenneth Pelletier, the video mixes interviews with physicians and seniors on a wide range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, vitality, maintaining a good sense of humor and, most important, the need for love. Nutritionist Karen Frisa gives guidelines on diet, food columnist Jane Brody takes viewers along the periphery of the grocery store and talks briefly about nutrition labels (this is the only dated segment in the video, since it doesn't cover the new nutrition labels), and Jane Jeffrey--age 95--talks about the importance of reading ("large-print, of course") and keeping the mind working. And then there's the little chestnut of advice that your family doctor won't tell you: according to one elderly couple, an empty elevator is the perfect opportunity for a long romantic kiss. There you have it: eat your veggies, and smooch your honey in the elevator, and you'll be on the right track to health and longevity. An excellent program. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)