A local documentary filmmaker and videographer wants the world to know that how we age is up to us.
“We have much more control and power to move on in life the way we want to than we think,” says Laurent Goldstein, president of Citrus Pie Media Group. “It’s society and our parents and grandparents who’ve modelled how they think we should age, but that’s only their belief system.”
Goldstein says that’s why when he picked up a book about two years ago, titled Your Second Fifty: Rising above the fears of aging, he immediately decided to create a film based on its premise. The book was written by Frank Moffatt, who after touring the world while managing his sons in the boy band the Moffatts, launched a multi-media company called Your Second Fifty, which focuses on “inspirational education” developed to enhance the lives of millions of baby boomers.
Goldstein notes that as baby boomers age past 50, it’s likely the kids are gone and there might be a career change or a bankruptcy. As well, their parents are getting older and need care, but boomers are also starting to feel some aches and pain. There’s also the feeling that time is speeding-up, but there’s still so much to do.
“It’s a time to think about what life is all about, instead of sitting on the couch,” says Goldstein.
The filmmaker advises that in Vancouver a great way get off that couch is to join one of this city’s local community centres, which offer affordable programs. Goldstein is also a huge fan of ping pong or table tennis, which he plays. In the film, one of the doctors interviewed also recommends the sport, touting its physical and mental benefits.
“It’s also about your social network,” says Goldstein. “How often do you hear about someone who recently retired and they died? Often they lose that social network. The key is to stay engaged.”
Goldstein says that could mean anything from finding a new job to a new love, from learning a new musical instrument to climbing a mountain.
“Perhaps, it's time to step back, take refuge from the ambient noise, and get inspired again,” says Goldstein. “Inspired to believe that we can live the most exciting part of our lives in our second fifty, inspired to grasp the possibilities that'll make a difference in our lives and others and do what we've dreamed, but never believed possible. That is what the film Your Second Fifty is about.”
To be clear, the documentary is not so much about super seniors doing amazing things, but rather it offers information and advice on how to live your next 50 years looking and feeling the best you can. To that end, the film includes interviews with what it calls “Game Changers,” including doctors, plastic surgeons, artists, philosophers, motivational speakers, coaches, athletes and financial advisers.
A screening of Your Second Fifty: Rising above the fears of aging takes place at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 24 at the Cultch Theatre, 1895 Venables St. The event includes a meet and greet with several of the professionals included in the film, as well as a panel discussion and raw food snacks. Some of the local businesses selling tickets to the screening include, Glory Juice Co., Float House, Spectus Eyewear, Qi Integrated Health Clinic and Nucca Spine Clinic. For more information about tickets or the screening, call 778-374-0065.
