Irish Film Institute
IFI Archive
Player

IFI Irish Film Archive

The Long Weekend - A Good Age: Episode 2

Year1997 Duration26m 00s
The Long Weekend explores the emotions faced by people approaching retirement, and couples who find themselves spending more time together than they may wish. Seamus expresses frustration regarding the injustice of mandatory retirement and the definition of ‘old age pensioner’ while Patricia talks about the new book of children’s stories she is completing in her retirement. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

You may also like

26m 00s

Renewal - A Good Age: Episode 5

Renewal pays homage to people who have overcome ageism, confounded stereotypes and pursued new adventures in later years. Robert Greacen tells us how poetry and the creative arts greatly help him manage the aging process. Mamo McDonald recalls her experience of raising nine children, being widowed at forty; expanding her father-in-law’s drapery shop (which was used as a location in Neil Jordan’s The Butcher Boy (1997)); becoming Chairperson of Age & Opportunity and establishing a lace museum in Clones, Co Monaghan. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

26m 00s

Looking After Yourself - A Good Age: Episode 3

Looking After Yourself explores how ageism can create low self-esteem in senior citizens and can compromise the capacity for a full and healthy life. This episode features a range of housing schemes, retirement homes, medical and recreational facilities. Colourful characters with contrasting attitudes and approaches to growing old are also introduced. Residents of Claremont Court, Dublin, recall visiting President Mary Robinson at Áras an Uachtaráin, while Brigid Donaghue discusses the loneliness of missing her deceased husband. Meanwhile students at Presentation College, Cork, reach out to senior citizens as part of the  S.H.A.R.E programme; and independent Agnes Brooder talks about working at Shannon Airport and keeping her accommodation there in retirement. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

26m 00s

Ageism - A Good Age: Episode 1

Ageism is the first in a six-part television series that tackles the everyday myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. This episode explores ‘the propaganda of old age’ – mainly the senior citizen concerns of aging and illness, sexuality, and self-worth. This episode opens with an appearance by Olwen Fouéré and features contributions by Dr. David Copeley, Head of Geriatric Medicine at St. James’s Hospital, and economist Colm Rapple. We also meet Declan White who, at 67 years old, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and emphasises the importance of an active lifestyle. The episode also interrogates the common prejudices surrounding the aging process and we are urged to consider a more positive attitude to growing old. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

26m 00s

Fighting Back - A Good Age: Episode 6

The last episode of A Good Age explores the media representation of senior citizens and of the ageing process. Mary Robinson outlines her support for the Senior Citizen’s Parliament and Proinsias De Rossa discusses the enormous contribution senior citizens can make to society. Several others explore the effects of consumerism on senior citizens and the potential to use advertising to promote a positive approach to the ageing process. Eilish Hardiman discusses the banning of the TV advertisement for Fujifilm that showed a senior couple kissing in a laundromat, and various senior citizens rail against a society that they perceive is throwing them on the scrap heap. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

26m 00s

Relationships - A Good Age: Episode 4

Relationships, episode four in A Good Age, deals with senior citizens who find themselves alone or isolated after the death of a partner. Therapists and counsellors offer bereavement advice, and stress the need for the bereaved to talk and learn to participate in normal life again. Eddie Johnston shares his harrowing yet uplifting story of experiencing the death of his first and second wives. Contributors delve into finding love again and discuss taboos around sexuality in later life. A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.

1m 41s

A Good Age

A Good Age is a six-part television series, directed by Sé Merry Doyle, tackling head-on the myths and misconceptions that result in ageism. A forthright approach was taken throughout as the joys and realities of getting older are examined.