Sage

Producer/director Nicole Brodsky's enlightening documentary Sage reminds us of how disgraceful it is that in our youth-oriented society the wisdom of elders is often neither welcome nor revered. With Baby Boomers coming of age, America's populace is today a lot older than in generations past, thanks to the escalating emphasis on healthy lifestyles and advances in medical treatment, which together have made it possible for seniors to live longer and better. Brodsky offers brief profiles of eight active, engaged seniors (one of whom is the late celebrated TV chef Julia Child) who come from various ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds, but share one key trait—a passion for living. These people express their thoughts on growing older, attaining wisdom, and continuing to make a difference whenever and wherever they can. Although the film doesn't seem to be promoting a specific agenda, Brodsky's message is an obvious one: our sunset years don't have to be whiled away in rocking chairs; they can be marvelously creative and productive ones. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (E. Hulse)