Getting older and feeling great

I guess I can’t complain about my quarter-mile walk from the bus stop anymore.

The Assisted Living Federation of America has partnered with PBS to produce something exciting and inspirational—just check out the above trailer for Age of Champions, a feature-length film that follows seven athletes at the 2009 National Senior Games. “Age of Champions shares an important story that life should be celebrated at any age,” says Keith Ochwat, the film’s producer.

Age of Champions is being labeled as a must-see for everyone—those who are growing old but, more importantly, by those who are still young. The film goes far in dispelling the misconceptions about aging and ageism. Take, for example, the 100-year old tennis player noting that he seems to always be matched with younger (86-year-old) players. Or the pole vaulter who is delighted to soar six feet over the bar while most of his friends are six-feet under.

The film is receiving nationwide attention and some of its senior athletes have been interviewed on network programming. Age of Champions is a featured selection at the Silverdocs, Austin and Cambridge film festivals. ALFA President/CEO Rick Grimes says, “Those who believe that seniors are not up for a challenge will reevaluate the way they view older adults after seeing this film.”

Anyone can join the “Host a Screening” campaign for $149, which includes a license to publicly exhibit the film at your facility. Screening kits for ALFA members are available at the discounted price of $99. Other organizations can purchase screening kits at the Age of Champions website.

It’s lunchtime now. I guess I’ll take a walk and see if I can jump the curb without falling.

Share your “Good Stuff.” Send information on your achievements, outstanding personnel, inspirational residents, and more to Executive Editor Sandra Hoban at shoban@iadvanceseniorcare.com.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.