Aging in America: Survive or Thrive

Aging in America: Survive or Thrive, narrated by Martin Sheen, is a one-hour documentary that celebrates the promise of increased longevity while addressing crucial and unprecedented public policy challenges. Using Dr. Robert Butler’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, Why Survive? as a guide, the film explores critical topics such as ageism, healthcare, economic insecurity, and Alzheimer’s disease.

This animated sequence illustrates the dramatic rise in longevity throughout history. From Ancient Times to the Middle Ages through the Industrial Revolution and up until the start of the 20th Century, life expectancy has steadily increased. However, the rise has been dramatic in recent years. There has been a greater gain in life expectancy in the last century than in the previous 5000 years.

Dr. Robert Butler was a visionary, a pioneer, and the leader of a movement. He did more to change our perception and understanding of older adults than any other American. Fifty years ago, he wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Why Survive: Being Old in America. This landmark work was a call to action to address the challenges as well as opportunities for older adults in this country.

The current healthcare system was designed to better serve the acute care needs of the young rather than the complex and chronic needs of an older population. This is reflected in the fact there are approximately 60,000 pediatricians in the U.S., but only about 7000 geriatricians. However, innovative solutions like an “age-friendly” emergency department at UC San Francisco are being developed.

Despite the many challenges posed by America’s aging population, our new longevity promises opportunities only dreamed of by previous generations. Some may see their retirement years as a time for rest and relaxation. However, others see this new chapter in life as a time to learn and grow, a time to forge new relationships, a time to explore new adventures, and a time to find a new purpose.