
New Chapter in Life
Clip: 5/1/2025 | 2m 40sVideo has Closed Captions
The gift of longevity is to be celebrated as many find new purpose in their later years.
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.
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New Chapter in Life
Clip: 5/1/2025 | 2m 40sVideo has Closed Captions
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.
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How to Watch Aging in America: Survive or Thrive
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipKEN: All of history, we've been young and now we're learning to be old and we don't quite know what to make of it.
Is it a challenge or an opportunity?
JO ANN: Today, we're living totally different lives than our parents or grandparents.
It used to be that you would grow up, go to college, get married, work perhaps at one place of employment and then retire.
KEN: I think what's awakening now are two things.
One is the realization that you might have new purpose at 50.
You might have 30 years of life after your main career is over.
And so people are doing a lot of scratching their heads thinking, "Who can I be next?"
MAN IN COMMERCIAL: School isn't gonna be easy.
WOMAN IN COMMERCIAL: I know.
♪ But I think you're gonna do great Dad.
♪ KEN: Some people are going back to school and learning some new tricks.
They're learning some new crafts.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world right now are over the age of 60 because they've been through life and they've got experience.
So romance and relationships are blooming.
MAN IN COMMERCIAL: Online dating, my buddy met a nice woman that way, but I'm not really sure where to look.
ANNOUNCER: No matter what you like to do, there's a place to meet other active senior people who like to do it too.
ANNOUNCER: Let All About Singles help you find your special soulmate.
WOMAN: The first I love you definitely came from him.
ANNOUNCER: The largest dating site for singles over 50, start today for free.
JO ANN: We want to make sure that you're living your post-65-plus-year life in the best possible way that you can.
Having that mission or purposeful meaning in your life, I think is key to happiness.
♪ MICHAEL: Looking back, I see my life through a different lens now, and what that means is, I can create a new identity for myself.
I was in banking for 41 years and work that I did was pretty high-pressured and stressful so I could not see myself continuing with my career.
In my 60s, when I was working, there was always a parallel side of trying to identify my cultural heritage.
So good morning, everyone.
Welcome to Little Tokyo.
I am Mike Okamura and I am going to be leading the tour this morning of 140-year-old historic Little Tokyo.
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 5/1/2025 | 1m 44s | This animated sequence illustrates the dramatic increase in longevity throughout history. (1m 44s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 5/1/2025 | 2m 58s | The current healthcare system was not designed to needs of a rapidly aging population. (2m 58s)
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Preview: 5/1/2025 | 30s | Aging in America: Survive or Thrive is a one-hour documentary narrated by Martin Sheen. (30s)
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 5/1/2025 | 2m 17s | Dr. Robert N. Butler was a pioneer and visionary who changed our perception of aging. (2m 17s)
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