Et Si On Vivait Tous Ensemble

Jane Fonda - Henry's Jane - Fitness Jane - Activist Jane. She's influenced not a few. Remember the burn? The leg warmers?This morning she was interviewed on CBC's Q promoting her new film which sounds like one of the most brilliant movies to see this year. Yes it will stretch your high school French. Yes it might startle you to consider old people's libidos. Jane is articulate. In French. At 75, she's passionate about what happens to old people. And their communal living solution to counter their loneliness explored in the film seems like an ideal situation for people who aren't ready for a nursing home. Is anyone every ready for THAT?

This summer I watched two films about aging: Hope Springs, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Both explored the realities many of us will face within the next decade. Changing how we age and how others perceive aging is not an easy assignment; but baby boomers are taking it on.

Just as boomers tackled civil rights, women's rights, challenged the establishment and ushered the country into the digital age of communication and entertainment media, they are now taking on aging. Because they're living longer and healthier, they are exploring new options for their "golden" years. Being up front and centre with Used to Be Mother in her assisted living home, I've thought about these golden years a little more than I think healthy. I don't think Boomers will be playing Bingo on Saturday night nor wearing polyester pants.

I'm not going to be sad anymore about this. Thanks to Jane and Maggie Smith and all those baby boomers just a little older, I'm hopeful for what unfolds.