Movies and books featuring older Americans
Observe Older Americans Month with your favorite people. Botetourt County Libraries offers movies and books that celebrate the stories of resilient and creative characters. Call, visit our website, or stop by the library to request one of these titles today. You won’t find many of these on Netflix! Want more? Ask a librarian how to use the free database Novelist Plus for more book or book-to-movie suggestions.
Look for the joy in every day.
Movies: When faced with life disappointments, a group of British retirees appreciates the small charms and friendships they find in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011), PG-13.
Carl Fredericksen thinks he hasn’t lived, but a trip turned unexpected adventure makes him realize that every moment has been a treasure– “Up” (2009), PG.
Book: Where do you want to be when you turn 10 0? Alan Karlsson jumps out of his nursing home window on another adventure to cap off an extraordinary life. Join him in “The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” (2012) by Jonas Jonasson.
Reach out to others:
Movies: Robbing a bank is not a great way to support your loved ones, but the guys in “Going in Style” (2017), PG-13, decide it is worth the risk.
Patching up broken relationships gives you unexpected gifts. “About Schmid”t (2002), R, shows how a recent retiree changes by attending his estranged daughter’s wedding.
Book: Neighborliness appears in many forms, grouchy older men being one of them. Find out why in “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman (2014).
Florence Clyburne depends on her long friendship with Elsie to help her navigate life when a supposed dead man moves into her retirement home. “Three Things About Elsie (2018), Joanna Cannon.
Build new skills:
Movies: Be inspired by the documentary “Young@Heart” (2007), PG, a group of Massachusetts seniors plays their favorite rock and roll covers.
Ever join a book club? Join four older women who decide this month’s pick, “50 Shades of Grey,” might shake things up a bit in life and love—“Book Club” (2018), PG-13.
Books: Finding an unfamiliar bracelet owned by his late wife drives Arthur Pepper to stretch in ways he never imagined in “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper” (2016) by Phaedra Patrick.
Let the life of adwoman Lillian Boxfish push you to try something that interests you, even if you are the first to do it. “Lilian Boxfish Takes a Walk” (2017), Kathleen Rooney.
Share your story:
Movies: In “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991), PG-13, actress Kathy Bates finds inner strength in the lives of the confident women of the Whistle Stop Cafe.
Who tells your story, you or those around you? Attend the “funeral party” of a Tennessee hermit to uncover how truth can be at odds with perception. “Get Low” (2009), PG-13.
Book: Leisurely paced short stories detail the life of retired school teacher Olive Kitteridge. Her flawed, complex personality leaves its mark on the small coastal town in Maine where she lives. “Olive Kitteridge” (2007) by Elizabeth Strout.
~ Ellen Cowell
Botetourt County Library
