Documentary Considers Effects of Longer Life Spans
PBS' "Frontline" on Tuesday will air the documentary, "Living Old," which examines the unintended effects of the increased number of U.S. residents who live longer because of medical advances.
According to PBS, residents who live longer often develop chronic illnesses and experience a "protracted" physical decline that requires "an immense amount of care" at a time when the number of available caregivers continues to decrease. A companion Web site will include profiles of the individuals and families featured in the program; extended interviews with health care providers who specialize in geriatrics; an interactive map on the demographics of elderly residents that includes the comparative costs of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home-based care; readings and interviews on related issues, such as the influence of faith, nursing home reform, palliative care and social reform; links to related resources; and video of the complete program ("Frontline," PBS, 11/21).
A video excerpt of the program is available online. Check local PBS listings for show times.
Miri Navasky -- producer, writer and director of the program -- is scheduled for a Washingtonpost.com chat on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. A transcript of the chat will be available online.