Aging

Shows two elderly Jewish gentlemen playing cards, revealing their attitudes toward life, loneliness, and the younger generation. Dr. Maria Piers asserts that the greatest evil dealt to the elderly in modern times is the prevalent notion that an old person is functionless. She advocates re-establishing the natural roles of grandfathers and grandmothers in family life., Examines some popular, yet commonly mistaken attitudes towards the aged and their place in society. Discusses two major theories on the aged--the activity theory and the disengagement theory--and the research being done by Bernice Neugarten, Robert Havinghurst, and Sheldon Tobin, of the University of Chicago. ; Attempts to dispel common negative stereotypes of the aged and presents the two major theories on growing old--the activity theory and the disengagement theory. Provides relevant statistics and interviews the aged. Visits Leisure World in Laguna Hills, California, a residence and recreation center based upon the activity theory of aging. Explains briefly the current emphasis on physical gerontology. ; This film rebuts the common stereotyped idea that old people are all alike. Looks at the relationship between the older person and current society--showing some of the processes of aging. Interviews number of retirement center residents in Laguna Hills, California.