Becca Levy New Study, Oscar Nominee Retirement Plan, Smart Home by Rick Robinson, Older Actor Oscars 2026 Representation 3-17-26
On our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study did highlight the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health monitoring, sleep quality, and safety features. Ray Gordon emphasized the role of wireless electricity and embedded sensors in future smart homes. The Oscar nominated animated short “Retirement Plan” is worth a watch. We noted the positive representation of older actors at the 2026 Oscars.
Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Yale 3-5-26 Yale Study by Becca Levy Challenges Aging Means Decline by Colin Poitras
https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/
Yale Study by Becca Levy in MDPI
We talked about getting pro aging birthday cards at Changing the Narrative.
Ellen added the link for buying cards there but noted that they hadn’t updated them since 2023.
Vocabulary
Pro Aging Movement
Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life’s Encore Planning
The New Yorker 11-13-25 The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List in “Retirement Plan”
Retirement Plan was nominated but did not win for 2026 Oscars best animated short.
In John Kelly’s animated short film, narrated by Domhnall Gleeson, nothing’s off limits when it comes to thinking about the future—particularly when there’s so much left to do. Article by David Sedaris.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/screening-room/the-dream-of-finishing-ones-to-do-list-in-retirement-plan
Watch the film at this link, it is well worth 7 minutes of your time.
Oscars Discussion
Older actors were well represented in nominations, wins and presenting, including in memoriam tributes.
For actors over 60 there were 3 winners and 1 nominee in best supporting actor. Delroy Lindo, born 1952 who won for Sinners. Amy Madigan, born 1950 who won for weapons. Sean Penn, born 1960 who won for One Battle After Another, and Stellan Skarsgård, born 1951 who was nominated for sentimental value.
We also have Udo Keir, born 1944 who was in the cast of The Best Picture nominee, the secret agent.
Presenters over 60: Demi Moore, Sigorney Weaver, Bill Pullman. Over 55: Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel. In Memoriam: Billy Crystal, born 1948 tribute for Rob Reiner and Barbara Streisand, born 1942 tribute for Robert Redford.
Billy Crystal Remembers Rob Reiner
Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography 2026 awards for her work on the film Sinners. She is only the fourth woman nominated in the category’s history and utilized special large-format photography for the film.
The 2026 Oscars were very international and Ireland was well represented – Jessie Buckley won best actress for the wonderful film Hamnet. Domhnall Gleeson who narrated “Retirement Plan” is Irish.
K-Pop’s “Golden” was performed at the Oscars and won best song.
Winner of the best international film, Sentimental Value was also nominated for best movie.
Elizabeth Magallon Fleury and her husband have a tradition of watching as many Oscar nominated films as they can before that Oscars airs.
Linda Sherman has a hobby site: Streaming TV Recommendations. There she has a category called “Aging Gracefully” for film and series with actors of a certain age or dementia themes.
Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
Home Care Magazine 3-3-26 Why Smart Homes are Future Home Care by Rick Robinson. Rick Robinson is the vice president and general manager leading the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP (ATC)
https://www.homecaremag.com/aging-place-home-health/march-2026/why-smart-homes-are-future-homecare
HomeCare Media’s objective is to share the latest product trends and research. They say their monthly product roundups are hand-picked by the editors of HomeCare. You can submit your product here.
You’ll see on Rick’s LinkedIn posts – Rick Robinson is also the author of “AI Slop”.
Debbie mentioned that Elemind was on our show last week. Here is the March 12 published podcast for CES 2026 Highlights – Longevity with two ATC portfolio companies: Elemind and Sensate.
Elizabeth Magallon Fleury mentioned the WSJ article she covered on our February 24, 2026 News for the Ages on inexpensive home renovations for aging in place with advice from Carol Chiang.
Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard
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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
