Movies About Aging

From Carolyn Jones, starring Lafayette Ballard, Stephen Bloesl, Jason Cross, Namoi Cross
Rated PG-13

The American Nurse is an intimate portrait of five nurses from across the United States. Through their stories, the film explores how nurses touch the lives of their patients and communities in profound ways. Through interviews and vignettes, the film reveals the unique challenges and rewards that come with a career in nursing. The film focuses on several topics, such as the importance of nurses’ relationships with their patients and the impact of nursing on our healthcare system. In addition, the film highlights how nurses are often undervalued and underpaid, despite the vital role they play in people’s lives. Ultimately, The American Nurse celebrates the power of healing, the beauty of compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Michael Rossato-Bennett, starring Dan Cohen, Louise Dueno, Nell Hardie, Norman Hardie
Rated Not Rated

Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory is a documentary film directed by Michael Rossato-Bennett that tells the story of music's ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. The film follows social worker Dan Cohen as he introduces iPod technology to a variety of elderly nursing home patients, providing them with personalized music playlists from their own pasts that help to reawaken memories and emotions. With the help of these iPods, the patients become more alert and engaged in their lives, with some exhibiting remarkable improvements in behavior and overall health. Through the film, Rossato-Bennett explores the power of music to reach beyond physical and cognitive decline, and shows how the effects of music therapy can profoundly transform lives.

From Directors: Stephen Walker, Sally George, starring Joe Benoit, Helen Boston, Louise Canady, Elaine Fligman
Rated PG

Young@Heart is a documentary about a unique and inspiring choir based in Northampton, Massachusetts. The choir is made up of senior citizens, mostly in their 80s and 90s, who sing modern rock and pop songs with new lyrics. Despite their age, the group is dedicated to performing and sharing their music with the world. The film follows their struggles and successes as they prepare for a major concert. Through the story of the choir, viewers are reminded of the power of music and the strength of the human spirit.

From James Keach, starring Glen Campbell, Kim Campbell, Ronald Petersen, Dave Kaplan
Rated PG

Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me is a 2014 documentary film directed by James Keach and produced by Trevor Albert. It chronicles the life and music of Glen Campbell, as he embarks on a nationwide "Goodbye Tour" in 2011, following his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. The film follows Campbell and his family on their personal journey as he continues to perform in spite of his condition. It also looks back on Campbell's career and explores the impact his music has had on the world. Along the way, Campbell is joined by some of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Springsteen, The Edge, Paul McCartney, and Sheryl Crow. The film paints a portrait of a man whose courage and spirit have touched the lives of millions.

From David Gelb, starring Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto, Daisuke Nakazama
Rated PG

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a 2011 documentary film directed by David Gelb that follows the life of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono and his world-renowned sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro. The film examines Jiro’s unparalleled dedication to his art, the ancient and intricate sushi-making traditions he follows, and the relationship between Jiro and his sons, both of whom are also sushi chefs. The film also explores the harsh realities of the sushi world, including the cost of high-quality seafood and the difficulty of achieving a Michelin star. Through interviews with Jiro and his family and colleagues, the film offers an intimate and inspiring look at the craft and life of one of the world’s greatest sushi masters.

From Alan Hicks, starring Clark Terry, Justin Kauflin, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock
Rated R

Keep On Keepin' On is a documentary about the extraordinary friendship between jazz legend Clark Terry, an African American pianist, trumpeter and composer, and Justin Kauflin, a blind, 23-year-old piano prodigy from Virginia. Directed by Alan Hicks, the film follows Terry's mentorship of Kauflin as the young musician prepares for an international competition. Through their friendship, both Terry and Kauflin find the courage to confront their respective struggles with age and disability. Along the way, the film offers a candid look at the bond of music, its healing power, and the beauty of mentorship.

From Wim Wenders, starring Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Octavio Calderon
Rated G

Buena Vista Social Club is a 1999 documentary film directed by Wim Wenders about the music of Cuba. It follows a group of veteran Cuban musicians who had long been forgotten after the Cuban Revolution of 1959, as they come together to record an album of their music. The film focuses on Ry Cooder, a musician and producer, who visits Cuba to collaborate with the musicians and record an album. The documentary follows the group of musicians as they rehearse, record, and perform in Havana, as well as their personal stories and memories. It also highlights Cuba's rich musical culture, as well as its people and history. The film was a success, winning several awards, including a Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album.

From Directors: Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Muffie Meyer, starring Edith Bouvier Beale, Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale, Brooks Hyers
Rated PG

Grey Gardens is a documentary about Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Edie. The Beales were once a prominent family in East Hampton, New York, but have since fallen into a state of disrepair and poverty. The film follows their day-to-day lives in their dilapidated 28-room mansion, Grey Gardens, which is populated with cats, raccoons, and other animals. The Beales hope to restore their mansion to its former glory, but are unable to do so due to financial constraints. Through interviews with the Beales and their friends, the film paints a picture of two women who are determined to continue living as they have regardless of their financial situation. Grey Gardens is a heartbreaking, funny, and truly unique documentary that highlights the eccentricity and complexity of the Beales.

From Mahmoud Kaabour, starring Fatima el Ghoul, Mahmoud Kaabour, Eva Sayre
Rated G

Grandma, a Thousand Times is an award-winning documentary that follows Mahmoud Kaabour’s grandmother in her twilight years. The film explores the importance of family and memory, as the grandmother seeks to recall her past and create a legacy for her grandchildren. Interweaving clips of the grandmother’s life with interviews from family and friends, the film paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose life was full of highs and lows. Through her story, the film speaks to the power of memory and the importance of cherishing the moments with our loved ones, no matter their age.

From Pan Nalin, starring Nicolos Kostopoulos, Vaidya Narayan Murthy, Brahmanand Swamigal
Rated Not Rated

"Ayurveda: Art of Being" (2001) is a documentary film directed by Pan Nalin. The film takes an in-depth look at the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine, Ayurveda. It begins by exploring the history and philosophy behind Ayurveda, then dives into how it is practiced today, the various types of treatments, and its impact on modern life. The film interviews practitioners and patients, demonstrating the power of this ancient science. The documentary also delves into the spiritual side of Ayurveda, examining how it can help people to connect with their own inner wisdom and lead a life of balance and harmony. Additionally, the film covers the differences between Ayurveda and Western medicine, and how both can be used together to bring about healing. Ultimately, the documentary serves to show the power and potential of Ayurveda, and how it can be applied to benefit people in their daily lives.

From Ethan Hawke, starring Seymour Bernstein, Ethan Hawke, Sam Bachelder, Sam Bachelor
Rated PG

Seymour: An Introduction is a 2014 documentary film directed by Ethan Hawke, profiling the life and work of pianist and music teacher Seymour Bernstein. Through conversations with Seymour and conversations between Seymour and his students, the film explores Seymour's life as a musician, his philosophy on teaching, and his passion for music. Throughout the film, Seymour shares his wisdom on the nature of art and music, and his lifelong dedication to his own personal growth. As Seymour discusses the joys and setbacks of his life, the film reveals an inspirational portrait of a man who has devoted his life to teaching others how to find joy in music.

From Alan Berliner, starring Eli Berliner, Stuart Blazer, Susan Brown, Barbara Estrin
Rated Not Rated

First Cousin Once Removed is a documentary film by Alan Berliner which follows the story of his relative, Edwin Honig, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The film showcases Edwin's struggle with the disease as it progresses, while also giving insight into the life of a poet, teacher, and family man. The film documents Edwin's life through the eyes of his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the progression of his illness over the course of six years. The film also provides an intimate look at the effects of Alzheimer's on Edwin and those around him, and highlights the importance of human connection in the face of a degenerative illness.

From Directors: Ricki Stern, Anne Sundberg, starring Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Jocelyn Pickett
Rated R

From Albert Maysles, starring Iris Apfel, Harold Koda, Dries Van Noten, Inez Bailey
Rated PG-13

From Tony Stone, starring Star: Peter Dunning
Rated Unrated