Retirement Revolution

Hosted and narrated by TV journalist Paula Zahn, the PBS-aired Retirement Revolution examines the new economic landscape facing Americans of retirement age, many of whom are making significant lifestyle changes to take account of lowered expectations. The program tries hard to be soothing, even upbeat, about the prospects of seniors, despite an ominous—even alarming—opening by Zahn: “Last year a financial storm blew the light right off the retirement dreams of millions of Americans.” Segments include “Making Social Security Work for You,” “Living With Alzheimer's Disease,” “Thriving in Tough Times,” and “Medicare: The Healthcare Puzzle,” which offer advice and share personal stories of several families. So, what is the “new reality” of the “retirement revolution”? Do more with less. And consider growing your own fruits and vegetables (“gardening is good exercise”), take dance lessons, and rest assured that a cane can be much more than a walking stick if you learn the self-defense techniques of “cane-fu.” A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (F. Zoretich)