Causes of Death in the US for those 55-64

Photo by Steven Feather.

Over the last 100 years, Americans have increased their life expectancy significantly.

Some of the credit for this is due to improvements in public sanitation, the availability of inoculations, and improvements in prevention and early intervention.

People used to die much younger from heart disease, cancers and diabetes.  Now medical treatments allow people to avoid these diseases or to live much longer with these diseases.

While not a very cheery topic, looking at rates of death motivates me to work on prevention through healthy lifestyle choices and by seeking regular medical care.

The National Vital Statistics Report lists causes of death in the US during 2010 for a number of age ranges.  The report also breaks down the data by gender and race.

The Old Alchemist: An Elder Tale

Photo of an alchemist's workshop by Curious Expeditions.

 I love a good fairy tale. I was reminded of their depth and complexity when my children were small, and I scoured the local library for collections of fairy tales.  After all, literature is equipment for living.

Below is the tale "The Old Alchemist," the first elder tale in a series. Here are links to the others.

The Magic Forest: An Elder Tale from Croatia
Kitchen Wisdom: An Elder Tale from Japan
Hats for Statues: An Elder Tale from Japan
The Wise Merchant: An Elder Tale with Jewish Roots
Death Comes to All: An Elder Tale with Native American Roots
The Simple Grass Cutter: An Elder Tale from India
The Luckiest Old Woman Around: An Elder Tale from England
Apparition of Arran: An Elder Tale from Scotland

"The Old Alchemist" An Elder Tale from Burma

There once lived an old man who had a beautiful daughter.  She married a handsome young man.  Life soon became difficult for the young couple because the husband spent his days trying to turn dirt into gold.  After the husband spending his inheritance, his young wife struggled to buy food.

Tearfully, she disclosed this problem to her father who exclaimed, "Ah, you don't know this, but I was an alchemist in my youth as well. As your husband to come talk with me."

Expecting to be scolded, the young husband went to visit his father-in-law. Instead, the old man explained, 

"I spent much time trying to turn dirt into gold, and I almost accomplished it. I only lacked one ingredient." 

2014 Films with Aging Themes

Photo by Fernando Standkuns.

2014 is "in the can."  Looking back, here are several films released in 2014 that had strong themes about aging or featured mature actors.

Listed chronologically by release date.

On My Way. Catherine Deneuve plays a woman in midlife still trying to put down roots.  Released in the US March 6, 2014 (2013 French film)

The Trip to Bountiful. Cicely Tyson plays an older woman seeking to return to her childhood home. Air date March 8, 2014 Lifetime Television.

Le Week-End.  A long-time married husband and wife from Britain vacation in Paris. Released March 14, 2014

Bicycling with Molière.  Two mature actors rehearse The Misanthrope together. Released in the US April 6, 2014 (2013 French film)

Advanced Style.  A documentary about seven fashionable New York women who are 60 plus. Released May 3, 2014

Still Mine.  A couple entering their 80s insist on staying independent.  Released May 6, 2014.

Advanced Style: Film Review

Released May 3, 2014.

I've been reading Ari Seth Cohen's blog Advanced Style for the last three years.  I was delighted when friends gave me his coffee table book last year for my birthday.

Now his documentary is available on DVD for those who missed it in theaters. The film offers 72 minutes of pure delight.