Conversations on the Journey

Conversations on the Journey video series provides a wealth of material for discussion groups and an opportunity for people turning 50 and older to share their experiences and learn how others approach transition, uncertainty and new possibilities in their lives. Each session explores an issue that people 50+ want to talk about with others: What has been important in my life? How will I change? How do I stay vibrant? What do I want as my legacy? And more...

The DVD includes excerpts from talks by distinguished authors and experts taken from Coming of Age: Boomervision! presentations, recorded with a studio audience at WHYY in Philadelphia. Using the accompanying discussion guide, a facilitator helps participants explore: living a fulfilled life, health and well-being, knowing and sharing your story, embracing change, a precious life, a finite life, and how elders will save the world.

Living a Fulfilled Life: The Inward Journey

This video sample is presented by David Oldfield, Director of The Midway Center for Creative Imagination in Washington, D.C. An accomplished author, he has created programs across the country for business and industry, mental health institutions, government, and service and religious organizations. Under his guidance, The Midway Center for Creative Imagination has become internationally recognized for its contribution to the understanding and use of imagination, myth, ritual, and creativity in our personal and professional lives.

Questions from the Discussion Guide:

1. In this clip, David Oldfield talks about the notion of "genius" and about making an inward journey to discover or rediscover "who we really are." Is this a concept that rings true for you?
2. How and why do we get the messages that we should be something other than our true selves?
3. Have you ever felt this sense of dissonance?

Is it Different for Women?

This video sample is presented by Suzanne Braun Levine. Levine is a writer, editor and nationally- recognized authority on women, family issues, and media. She chronicled and fostered change in women's lives as the first editor of Ms. magazine. Today she is a contributing editor of More magazine. She wrote the ground-breaking book, Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood, and recently published How We Love Now: Sex and the New Intimacy in Second Adulthood. Ms. Levine joined the Board of Civic Ventures, founded by Marc Freedman, in 2009.

Questions from the Discussion Guide:

1. How many women have had this experience that Ms. Levine is talking about, that you just don't care anymore about what people think?
2. No more scripts!" Do you agree? Have you had a series of roles? And men, have you played a series of roles?
3. How do you feel about the possibility of entering a stage in your life without a script? Liberated? Frightened? Something else?

Health and Well Being

This video sample is presented by Paul Nussbaum, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist & Adjunct Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Paul Nussbaum, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist and consultant on brain health promotion with more than 25 years experience in the care of older people suffering dementia and related disorders. An expert in neuroanatomy and human behavior, Dr. Nussbaum's most recent publication is Save Your Brain: The 5 Things You Must Do to Keep Your Mind Young and Sharp.

Questions from the Discussion Guide:

1. Dr. Nussbaum identified five key factors for promoting brain health: socialization, physical activity, mental stimulation, nutrition, and spirituality. Knowing this, what might you do differently in your life?
2. Dr. Nussbaum emphasizes the importance of staying involved in your community with a role and purpose. What value do you see in having a life focused on something larger than yourself?