Lives Well Lived

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

[mr_rating_result]

Being well into the demographics ardently pursued by AARP, I looked forward to seeing “Lives Well Lived,” the new documentary by Sky Bergman. After all, we enjoy looking into a mirror.

This insightful film examines forty people between the ages of 75 and 100, sharing their secrets to living a meaningful life. Through their memories and personal histories, these stories will “make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you.”

From Holocaust survivors to interred Japanese Americans to black civil rights workers to sculptors and painters to wizen seniors, these are interesting people who collectively reflect 3,000 years of experience.

A 92-year-old pianist. An 85-year-old photographer. A 78-year-old dancer. Each of these people has lived fascinating and successful lives, but there is not a general consensus among them on how to get there. No matter.

Susy Eto Bauman tells us, “My friends said, ah, I’m getting too old. I can’t do this, I can’t do that. And I said, Oh phooey with that. If you say I can’t do it, then you won’t be able to do it.”

As the photographer says, “You’ll be remembered by the tracks you leave behind.”

“Lives Well Lived” has the tagline: “Celebrating the Secrets, Wit & Wisdom of Age.” It’s currently sharing that knowledge with audiences at Tropic Cinema.

“It’s not your numerical age, it’s your biological age,” advises one octogenarian. “So think young, act young, feel young, and forget the number.”

Inspiring is the word that best describes this documentary. You’ll look forward to stepping through the door that Sky Bergman opens for our viewing.

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com