Lucky for us, we're going to grow old with tomorrow's technology, not that of our grandparents. Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., addresses a seminar group on the subject of life extension, pointing out that "revolution is heading our way, [as] 78 million baby boomers are moving into their 50 plus years.” The biological potential of the human body is 120-140 years, which may well be realized later this century thanks to breakthroughs in nutritional health, hormone cocktails, and organ cloning. In addition to looking at the science of aging, Dychtwald addresses social and political aging issues (on collecting social security at age 65, he opines, "I don't think that's moral"), speculating on how American culture will be transformed when baby boomers become elder boomers. Although Dychtwald cites the need for discussion regarding aging issues, the Q&A segment on the tape is fairly perfunctory with little give and take. Still, given the natural narcissism of boomers, this inexpensive motivational title on how healthy we can all be in a “gerontocracy” (!?!) should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (L. Goldberg)
Age Power: How the 21st Century Will be Ruled by the New Old
(2000) 90 min. $19.98 ($49.95 w/PPR). PBS Video (800-344-3337; <a href="http://www.pbs.org/">www.pbs.org</a>). Color cover. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7806-3057-2. 12/18/2000
Age Power: How the 21st Century Will be Ruled by the New Old
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