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"I hope your film opens many eyes to a wise view of the aging process and touches many hearts that need healing because of the ageist attitudes in our culture. Thank you for creating such a fine contribution to the conscious aging movement."
A Feature Documentary that brings to life the beauty of aging.
Optics of Aging raises awareness and challenges stereotypes around aging. Through the stories of our elders, we find diverse and unique experiences that shine a light on aging.
Ageism seems to be the only "ism" that is still OK to participate in.
Elders often speak of feeling invisible and worthless in our society. Stereotypes of old age can diminish elders’ ability to see themselves in a rich and unique elderhood. Those doing the stereotyping are also diminished as they shut themselves off from any vision of a rich and satisfying elderhood. We are all aging and these stories are vital to our own rich and wise aging.
Our hope is that these stories also inspire and empower older adults to live their passions, overcome their challenges, and challenge age-related stereotyping. “Ageism harms everyone – old and young. But often, it is so widespread and accepted – in our attitudes and in policies, laws and institutions – that we do not even recognize its detrimental effect on our dignity and rights, said Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.” (World Health Organization)

Umberto Boccioni, Nudo di spalle (Controluce), 1909
Meet The Elders
While certain physical limitations are real as we age, some faculties strengthen and many people report the older years as being the happiest years of their lives. We hear that in the words of these elders. Through their voices, stereotypes about older adults dissolve as we discover humor, moxie, and lives tenaciously and beautifully lived.
Impact
Optics of Aging is challenging stereotypes around aging.
Documentary films are powerful tools for organizations, serving multiple purposes from education and awareness to team building and brand engagement. In organizations, documentary films serve as strategic communication tools, helping to educate, inform, and build trust with the public and stakeholders.
State agencies can change perceptions of aging, build community support, and promote programs that enhance the lives of older adults, contributing to a healthier, more inclusive society.
By sharing stories that highlight the resilience, productivity, and wisdom of older adults, state agencies can counteract stereotypes and promote age inclusivity. This can foster more positive perceptions of aging, which benefits the mental health and social inclusion of older adults.
Here are some of the ways Optics of Aging can help support your mission!
- As part of a conference keynote or plenary session.
- As part of a seminar.
- Instruction in Medical and Nursing Schools.
- Community Centers and Senior Living Facilities.
- Social Work and Psychology Training Programs.
- Public Policy and Aging Advocacy Events.
- Human Resource Training.
- Caregiver Training Programs.
- Continuing Education for Physicians and Therapists.
- Employee Wellness Programs.
- As part of a New England film screening tour in partnership with like-minded institutions such as Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island or Age-Friendly Rhode Island.
- As part of a nationwide film screening tour.
Project Updates & Press
Please Enjoy These Clips From Optics of Aging
Praise
"I am blown away by this wonderful film - the stories told, the histories behind those stories & storytellers, the love, challenges and truths of the aging process itself."
— Derreth
"Optics of Aging is such a profound gift. Your beautiful film is an intimate, inspiring and enduring record of remarkable lives, well-lived. Kudos and huge gratitude for this stellar work!"
"It was inspiring to hear the stories of so many extraordinary humans…I left there thinking about how much I want to do with my own life."
"You have struck a deep vein important to us all, that has not been explored enough in our culture."
Resources
Resources for deepening knowledge and supporting choices in aging:
AARP
Age Equal
Age-Friendly Rhode Island
American Society on Aging
Art Against Ageism
Gray Panthers
Leading Age
National Center to Reframe Aging
Next 50
Next Avenue
Old School Anti-Ageism Clearinghouse
Pass It On Network
ProAge
Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island
The Village Common
Th!rd Act
Books: A Partial List
Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It: Tracey Gendron, PhD
Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice Against Older Persons: Todd D. Nelson
Agewise: Fighting the Ageism in America: Margaret Gullette
Breaking the Age Code: Becca Levy, PhD
I’m Still Not Done: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace: Patti Temple Rocks
This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism: Ashton Applewhite
Meet Our Team
Click the photos to read our bios

The national award-winning documentary Death: A Love Story, marked Michelle’s debut as a filmmaker having directed, produced, written and photographed the film. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, won top awards at several other film festivals, and aired on national PBS and CBC Canada. An analysis of the film was featured at Sundance (2000), by John Anderson, History in Documentaries (2005), by Alan Rosenthal (China edition), and Documentary Media (2009), by Broderick Fox. Death: A Love Story is currently used in classrooms in more than 500 universities, colleges and libraries in the US and Canada.
Michelle has taught film production and film studies at the University of Rhode Island for 16 years and has made several short films which can be found on her Vimeo channel: Vimeo.com/harkenprods



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© 2024 Optics of Aging. A Film by Michelle Le Brun. All Rights Reserved.