The New Old Age: Silver Hair on the Silver Screen

From left: Laura Linney and Philip Bosco in “The Savages,” Jack Nicholson in “About Schmidt,” and Gordon Pinsent and Julie Christie in “Away from Her.” (Andrew Schwartz/Fox Searchlight Pictures, New Line Productions, Michael Gibson/Lionsgate) As the population inexorably grows older, will there be more movies about aging? Below is a list of Dr. Dennis McCullough’s favorite films on the subject, listed in an appendix to his new book, “My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing ‘Slow Medicine,’ the Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones,’’ and updated on his Web site. Dr. McCullough, whose book is as valuable a resource as any I’ve found, commends the movies below for their “gentle, deeply feeling and often funny portrayals of aging.'’ Please add your favorites to the list — and television shows as well —... [read full story]