WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:12.533 [Film leader] 00:12.700 --> 00:13.366 [Tone] 00:15.600 --> 00:18.466 [Auctioneer chanting] 00:18.466 --> 00:21.366 [Outside Cummings' garage] 00:21.366 --> 00:25.132 [Crowd chatter] 00:25.133 --> 00:27.599 [Crowd:] A quarter. 00:27.600 --> 00:28.866 [Auctioneer:] Who said a quarter? 00:28.866 --> 00:29.466 [Crowd:] A quarter. 00:29.466 --> 00:30.566 [Auctioneer: A quarter again. 00:30.566 --> 00:34.599 [Auctioneer chanting] 00:34.600 --> 00:37.800 [Outdoor auction crowd chatter] 00:37.800 --> 00:41.733 [Chatter] 00:41.733 --> 00:45.533 [Young and old gathered outside for the auction] 00:45.533 --> 00:50.899 [John Cummings examines a framed picture] 00:50.900 --> 00:56.633 [John proceeds to the stage] 00:56.633 --> 00:58.599 [Auctioneer:]: Well, look at this. 00:58.600 --> 01:00.700 Nice looking horse. 01:00.700 --> 01:01.300 All right. 01:01.300 --> 01:02.966 And wadda we gonna get now with that good 01:02.966 --> 01:04.432 looking horse picture. 01:04.433 --> 01:05.499 How much? 01:05.500 --> 01:07.233 A quarter? 01:07.233 --> 01:08.299 Where you been all summer? 01:08.300 --> 01:10.066 Giving the horses [?] 01:10.066 --> 01:12.066 [Auctioneer:] Who'll say a dollar? 01:12.066 --> 01:13.032 [Music] 01:13.033 --> 01:15.733 [Ready for Edna] 01:15.733 --> 01:19.466 [Copyright 1964 National Educational Television and Radio Center] 01:19.466 --> 01:22.832 [Auctioneer chanting] 01:22.833 --> 01:29.066 [Produced under the auspices of the United States Department of Health, Education, and 01:29.066 --> 01:34.532 Welfare, Public Health Service Division of Chronic Diseases, Gerontology Branch.] 01:34.533 --> 01:37.499 [Auctioneer continues] 01:38.833 --> 01:44.233 [In Cooperation with the National Educational Television Network] 01:44.233 --> 01:50.566 [Auctioneer:] Can I get a 5. 01:50.566 --> 01:52.666 Don't let the horse get away from you. 01:52.666 --> 01:56.332 [Auctioneer continues] 01:56.333 --> 01:58.033 And now 6. 01:58.033 --> 01:59.233 [John Cummings:] 6 1/2 he says. 01:59.233 --> 02:01.299 [Auctioneer:] Now 7. 02:01.300 --> 02:05.266 6 1/2-- 7. 02:05.266 --> 02:08.166 Six and a half sold to the gentleman over there. 02:08.166 --> 02:10.399 Gentleman over there. 02:10.400 --> 02:11.966 You'll see him in the races this fall. 02:11.966 --> 02:13.532 [Wooden chest slides] 02:13.533 --> 02:14.733 All right, now-- 02:14.733 --> 02:18.699 [Narrator:] Edna and John have decided to give up their house 02:18.700 --> 02:20.700 and move into a flat. 02:20.700 --> 02:23.700 [Auctioneer:]: Oh, a lot of them in there. 02:23.700 --> 02:27.866 [?] what do you get for all those picture frames. 02:27.866 --> 02:30.832 [Auctioneer chant fades into the background] 02:32.233 --> 02:35.599 [Narrator:] The house is too much trouble now. 02:35.600 --> 02:36.833 Also too expensive. 02:36.833 --> 02:43.733 [Sentimental music] 02:43.733 --> 02:46.033 They've lived here 40 years and raised a daughter. 02:46.033 --> 02:48.333 [Auctioneer still audible] 02:48.333 --> 02:52.999 Seeing the place empty out isn't easy. 02:53.000 --> 02:53.733 Edna keeps busy. 02:53.733 --> 02:58.433 [Music] 02:58.433 --> 03:00.266 [Door slams and knocks down a wall hanging] 03:00.266 --> 03:23.566 [Music continues] [Auctioneer still audible] 03:23.566 --> 03:26.632 [Auction site, man carries out a spring mattress] 03:26.633 --> 03:28.233 [Auction sign, Saturday Aug. 8] 03:28.233 --> 03:32.933 [Narrator:] John is also a bit restless. 03:32.933 --> 03:38.899 [Auctioneer holds up a foldable clothes line] 03:38.900 --> 03:40.833 [Phone ringing] 03:40.833 --> 03:45.866 He feels unnecessary and is glad when the phone rings. 03:45.866 --> 03:47.832 [Ringing] 03:50.033 --> 03:51.333 [John Cummings:] Hello? 03:51.333 --> 03:55.099 [Operator:] I have a long distance call for Mr. or Mrs. Cummings. 03:55.100 --> 03:57.633 [John Cummings:] This is John Cummings. 03:57.633 --> 03:59.833 [Operator:] Go ahead. 03:59.833 --> 04:00.966 [Martha:] Dad? 04:00.966 --> 04:02.866 [Auctioneer audible in John's house] 04:02.866 --> 04:04.766 [John Cummings:] Martha? 04:04.766 --> 04:05.799 Hi. 04:05.800 --> 04:06.966 [Martha:] How are you, Dad? 04:06.966 --> 04:09.332 [John Cummings:] Well, fine. 04:09.333 --> 04:11.933 How are you and the kids and all? 04:11.933 --> 04:12.833 [Martha:] Just fine. 04:12.833 --> 04:14.266 How's mother? 04:14.266 --> 04:15.532 [John Cummings:] Oh, she's well. 04:15.533 --> 04:17.299 I'll call her. 04:17.300 --> 04:18.700 Edna. 04:18.700 --> 04:22.166 Edna, Martha's on the phone. 04:22.166 --> 04:25.532 [Martha:] Dad, I just got your letter. 04:25.533 --> 04:27.666 I think that's awful. 04:27.666 --> 04:29.699 [John Cummings:] You mean about the auction? 04:29.700 --> 04:31.866 [Martha:] It's so sudden. 04:31.866 --> 04:33.899 [John Cummings:] It had to be done. 04:33.900 --> 04:36.400 It's too much for us. 04:36.400 --> 04:40.500 Besides, Social Security just goes so far. 04:40.500 --> 04:42.900 [Martha:] But what are you going to do? 04:42.900 --> 04:46.800 [John Cummings:] Well, we found a nice little flat nearby. 04:46.800 --> 04:47.700 Very handy. 04:47.700 --> 04:51.200 [Martha:] Don't you want to come out here near us somewhere? 04:51.200 --> 04:52.033 [John Cummings:] No. 04:52.033 --> 04:53.233 [Martha:] I just feel awful. 04:56.166 --> 04:57.499 [John Cummings:] Now look, Martha. 04:57.500 --> 05:01.066 You've got your lives to live and we've got ours. 05:01.066 --> 05:03.032 [Martha:] Can't we do something? 05:03.033 --> 05:03.799 [John Cummings:] No. 05:03.800 --> 05:05.633 We're all set. 05:05.633 --> 05:09.599 Now your mother's got all her friends right here 05:09.600 --> 05:14.033 and I can get to the track now and then. 05:14.033 --> 05:15.899 It's the way we want it. 05:15.900 --> 05:17.800 [Martha:] Can't we help you somehow? 05:17.800 --> 05:18.733 [John Cummings:] No. 05:18.733 --> 05:20.299 We've thought it all out. 05:20.300 --> 05:25.366 [Martha:] But Dad, you have to be careful of yourself and-- 05:25.366 --> 05:29.032 [John Cummings:] I know all that, Martha, but-- 05:29.033 --> 05:33.899 Oh, look, one of the auction men wants the chair I'm sitting in. 05:33.900 --> 05:36.766 [Martha:] Is it going on now? 05:36.766 --> 05:38.066 [John Cummings:] Yeah. 05:38.066 --> 05:39.399 [Auction chatter] 05:39.400 --> 05:40.866 [Martha:] Dad, just to think about it! 05:40.866 --> 05:42.566 [John Cummings:] I'd better hang up now, Martha. 05:42.566 --> 05:44.399 [Martha:] May I speak to mother? 05:45.066 --> 05:45.899 [Exhales] 05:47.133 --> 05:48.833 [John Cummings:] Edna. 05:48.833 --> 05:50.833 Edna? 05:50.833 --> 05:54.133 Martha's on the phone. 05:54.133 --> 05:57.866 [Suspenseful music] 05:57.866 --> 06:02.999 [Edna falls ill while doing chores] 06:03.000 --> 06:07.500 [Sits down on daybed] 06:07.500 --> 06:09.066 Edna? 06:09.066 --> 06:12.966 [Music] 06:12.966 --> 06:14.132 (concerned tone) Edna? 06:16.766 --> 06:18.366 What's the matter? 06:18.366 --> 06:20.199 [Edna Cummings:] I don't feel so well. 06:23.500 --> 06:25.700 [John Cummings:] I better call the doctor. 06:25.700 --> 06:27.900 [Footsteps] 06:27.900 --> 06:31.366 [Ambulance siren blaring] 06:31.366 --> 06:34.899 [Narrator:] Within an hour, Edna is on her way to the hospital. 06:34.900 --> 06:39.666 [Siren fades] 06:39.666 --> 06:47.732 [Suspenseful music] 06:47.733 --> 06:51.333 [Two men transport Edna] 06:51.333 --> 06:55.833 [Nurse and Enda in hospital room] 06:55.833 --> 07:00.499 Within 48 hours, she is getting passive exercise. 07:00.500 --> 07:03.600 John will be taught how to do it. 07:03.600 --> 07:07.500 [Peaceful music] 07:07.500 --> 07:14.900 [Nurse rubbing Edna's left arm] 07:22.300 --> 07:25.600 It seems she's had a slight stroke, 07:25.600 --> 07:28.500 but the doctor says it's not serious. 07:28.500 --> 07:31.933 A slight paralysis is already wearing off. 07:31.933 --> 07:41.133 [Nurse continues treatment] 07:41.133 --> 07:47.366 [John walks towards Edna's room] 07:47.366 --> 07:49.899 [John enters room] 07:51.533 --> 07:53.799 [John carrying luggage] 07:53.800 --> 07:57.433 10 days later, Edna is home in the new 07:57.433 --> 07:59.199 flat that they've taken. 07:59.200 --> 08:01.800 They're going right ahead with their plans. 08:01.800 --> 08:05.033 [John climbs the steps and enters the house] 08:05.033 --> 08:08.233 [Edna watches John from a window] 08:11.466 --> 08:15.866 A week later, she's on her feet. 08:15.866 --> 08:21.332 Another week and she will be doing housework. 08:21.333 --> 08:26.033 [John Cummings:] There you are. 08:26.033 --> 08:26.999 Oh, look. 08:27.000 --> 08:29.633 You remember how fast this boy was? 08:29.633 --> 08:33.866 Now we'll put him right up here in our new flat. 08:33.866 --> 08:36.699 [Doctor dispensing medicine] 08:36.700 --> 08:38.433 [Narrator:] Regularly she takes pills 08:38.433 --> 08:41.433 to prevent further blood clots. 08:41.433 --> 08:46.933 [Doctor dispensing medicine] 08:50.166 --> 08:53.399 [Edna walking] 08:53.400 --> 08:55.233 [John Cummings:] Hey, now. 08:55.233 --> 08:55.966 Easy now. 08:55.966 --> 08:57.299 All right, straight and forward. 08:57.300 --> 08:59.033 That's a girl. 08:59.033 --> 08:59.533 Good. 08:59.533 --> 09:03.999 Fine and good. 09:04.000 --> 09:05.700 [Peaceful music] 09:05.700 --> 09:07.600 [Doctor:] Looks to me like you're doing fine. 09:07.600 --> 09:08.600 [John Cummings:] Doing OK. 09:08.600 --> 09:09.233 Isn't she, Doc? 09:09.233 --> 09:10.233 [Doctor:] Certainly is. 09:10.233 --> 09:13.066 [John Cummings:] Good girl, Edna. 09:13.066 --> 09:15.466 [Edna Cummings:] In part thanks to him. 09:15.466 --> 09:17.199 He put me through my paces. 09:17.200 --> 09:19.300 [John Cummings:] Well I was a horse trainer over here 09:19.300 --> 09:21.666 at the track for 40 years. 09:21.666 --> 09:24.099 Many a day I sat by a sick horse. 09:24.100 --> 09:26.766 Should be able to do as much for my own wife. 09:26.766 --> 09:28.566 [Edna Cummings:] That's what he thinks of me. 09:28.566 --> 09:31.099 He thinks he's going to enter me in the Preakness now. 09:31.100 --> 09:31.933 [Laughs] 09:31.933 --> 09:35.399 And I'm not going win any blue ribbons. 09:35.400 --> 09:37.433 [John Cummings:] Don't you bet on that. 09:37.433 --> 09:40.733 I know a good filly when I see one. 09:40.733 --> 09:42.966 [Laughs] 09:42.966 --> 09:44.899 [Taking blood pressure] 09:44.900 --> 09:48.900 [Narrator:] Prognosis, many more years of life. 09:48.900 --> 09:50.833 [Music] 09:50.833 --> 09:54.133 The aging live on the edge of a precipice. 09:54.133 --> 09:58.766 Balances of pressure, arteries, blood chemistry 09:58.766 --> 10:01.132 are in delicate equilibrium. 10:01.133 --> 10:05.933 If the balance is maintained, there can be health and joy. 10:05.933 --> 10:09.766 The statistics tell us she may live another 10 or 20 years. 10:09.766 --> 10:14.732 Edna is ready for them, but are we ready for Edna? 10:14.733 --> 10:17.533 Suddenly there are millions and millions of Ednas. 10:17.533 --> 10:20.799 Are our communities ready? 10:20.800 --> 10:24.300 A century ago we did not need to ask that question. 10:24.300 --> 10:27.033 [Book illustration] 10:27.033 --> 10:28.866 In those days the ranks of the old 10:28.866 --> 10:33.466 were thinned by every illness, every epidemic. 10:33.466 --> 10:36.799 A stroke then was a sentence of doom. 10:36.800 --> 10:38.900 They would say, "lie still." 10:38.900 --> 10:40.200 "Lie still." 10:40.200 --> 10:42.266 "Don't move." 10:42.266 --> 10:44.366 Soon the muscles atrophied. 10:44.366 --> 10:46.532 The processes of life slowed. 10:46.533 --> 10:52.233 At best, there'd be a period of living death, then death itself. 10:52.233 --> 10:55.466 [Book illustration] 10:55.466 --> 10:58.032 The old were scarce then. 10:58.033 --> 11:03.099 For the few that lived on, there was a place in the farm home. 11:03.100 --> 11:04.566 Between the old and the very young, 11:04.566 --> 11:08.166 there was often a special bond. 11:08.166 --> 11:11.566 But the rural way of life they knew was changing. 11:11.566 --> 11:14.699 Everywhere families were on the move, some to the frontier, 11:14.700 --> 11:16.800 others to the city. 11:16.800 --> 11:20.333 Here there was less room for the old and less use. 11:20.333 --> 11:23.366 The factory assembly line was recruiting the young, 11:23.366 --> 11:24.299 not the old. 11:24.300 --> 11:25.433 [Photographs] 11:25.433 --> 11:29.666 In cramped city quarters the grandparent was less welcome. 11:29.666 --> 11:38.132 [Tense music playing] 11:38.133 --> 11:42.066 More and more the old were being shunted aside into alms houses. 11:42.066 --> 11:44.032 In this way, their needs could more easily 11:44.033 --> 11:46.266 be forgotten by the outside world. 11:46.266 --> 11:48.499 Most didn't last long. 11:48.500 --> 11:50.533 But that, too, was changing. 11:50.533 --> 11:52.766 In medical laboratories another great transition 11:52.766 --> 11:54.066 was in progress. 11:54.066 --> 11:57.366 One by one, organisms that had brought countless epidemics 11:57.366 --> 11:58.732 were being subdued. 11:58.733 --> 12:02.199 Smallpox, typhoid fever, diphtheria, 12:02.200 --> 12:04.100 they began to lose their sting. 12:04.100 --> 12:05.600 Life expectancy went up. 12:05.600 --> 12:08.033 The old lived on in ever-growing numbers. 12:08.033 --> 12:08.666 [Animated graph line superimposed] 12:08.666 --> 12:10.699 In 1900 in the United States, they 12:10.700 --> 12:13.400 were about three million people over 65. 12:13.400 --> 12:15.633 By 1920, almost 5 million. 12:15.633 --> 12:17.366 1940, 9 million. 12:17.366 --> 12:18.399 [Animated graph line increases] 12:18.400 --> 12:22.400 For the old, was it a boon? 12:22.400 --> 12:25.566 In the 1930s, the Great Depression. 12:25.566 --> 12:27.932 10 million unemployed. 12:27.933 --> 12:31.033 Among the old, widespread suffering. 12:31.033 --> 12:34.666 More and more they were pushed outside the economy. 12:34.666 --> 12:38.399 But 1935 brought a memorable turning point. 12:38.400 --> 12:41.400 We accepted at last a national responsibility. 12:41.400 --> 12:44.400 A Social Security insurance plan based on earnings 12:44.400 --> 12:47.033 began to provide retirement benefits. 12:47.033 --> 12:49.466 Through amendments, almost all workers were covered 12:49.466 --> 12:52.966 and benefits were provided for their dependents and survivors. 12:52.966 --> 12:55.966 By 1964, monthly benefits were going to three 12:55.966 --> 13:00.132 out of four people 65 or older. 13:00.133 --> 13:03.933 But meanwhile, the old continue to grow in numbers, 13:03.933 --> 13:06.466 aided by new medical advances. 13:06.466 --> 13:09.566 It was found that enforced bed rest, so long accepted 13:09.566 --> 13:12.366 as sound treatment, held its dangers. 13:12.366 --> 13:15.732 Instead of lie still, the doctors more often 13:15.733 --> 13:19.499 said, get up. 13:19.500 --> 13:23.200 Even among victims of stroke it brought dramatic results, 13:23.200 --> 13:27.333 prolonging active life. 13:27.333 --> 13:32.099 1960, 17 million over 65. 13:32.100 --> 13:37.300 [Edna making her bed] 13:37.300 --> 13:39.433 And so Edna, like millions of others, 13:39.433 --> 13:44.033 is on her feet, 13:47.666 --> 13:51.566 active, doing her housework. 13:51.566 --> 13:55.299 She and John look forward to the promised golden years. 13:55.300 --> 13:59.200 [Music] 13:59.200 --> 14:02.700 A crisis has even given them a new camaraderie. 14:02.700 --> 14:08.133 Fixing the flat is an adventure, recalling old times. 14:08.133 --> 14:11.333 As she takes up the tasks of housekeeping, 14:11.333 --> 14:17.366 John celebrates the triumph by awarding her a blue ribbon. 14:17.366 --> 14:20.566 [John pins award on Edna's collar] 14:20.566 --> 14:22.166 [Happy music] 14:22.166 --> 14:24.432 [John kisses Edna's forehead] 14:24.433 --> 14:29.599 [Edna admires her ribbon] 14:29.600 --> 14:30.766 [Racetrack] 14:30.766 --> 14:37.332 Now he feels he can safely take a few hours off-- 14:37.333 --> 14:42.733 --visit his old haunts at the track, see his old friends, 14:42.733 --> 14:47.233 relive old days, have a look at the horses. 14:47.233 --> 15:02.966 [Whimsical music] 15:02.966 --> 15:06.399 There outside the park, he is hit by an auto. 15:06.400 --> 15:10.800 [Tense music] 15:10.800 --> 15:12.866 An hour later, the news is told to Edna 15:12.866 --> 15:15.432 as carefully as possible. 15:15.433 --> 15:17.899 John was killed instantly. 15:17.900 --> 15:20.766 A long distance call is made to notify the daughter. 15:20.766 --> 15:25.366 [Tense music] 15:25.366 --> 15:28.566 Meanwhile, Edna is taken to a nursing home. 15:28.566 --> 15:31.999 Future arrangements are uncertain. 15:32.000 --> 15:35.000 The events are a great strain on her. 15:35.000 --> 15:39.500 Her body struggles to maintain its delicate balances. 15:39.500 --> 15:43.766 Yet statistically, the outlook still is many years of life. 15:43.766 --> 15:45.432 [Close-up of wedding ring] 15:45.433 --> 15:47.666 What sort of years will they be? 15:49.933 --> 15:54.099 Very soon, there'll be 20 million Americans over 65. 15:54.100 --> 15:56.933 Millions of them like Edna, left alone. 15:56.933 --> 15:58.699 Are we ready? 15:58.700 --> 16:01.433 Are our communities ready? 16:01.433 --> 16:04.566 Have we looked closely at this problem? 16:04.566 --> 16:06.032 [White House, Washington, D.C.] 16:06.033 --> 16:09.066 In 1961, there was a historic White House conference 16:09.066 --> 16:10.399 on aging. 16:10.400 --> 16:12.166 It was followed by legislation to help 16:12.166 --> 16:13.599 communities throughout the nation 16:13.600 --> 16:16.533 develop health services for older people. 16:16.533 --> 16:19.433 The law was called The Community Health Services and Facilities 16:19.433 --> 16:22.433 Act of 1961. 16:22.433 --> 16:25.566 By now, many urgent needs were known. 16:25.566 --> 16:28.399 Now the emphasis would be on services. 16:28.400 --> 16:30.600 In many communities, the Public Health Service 16:30.600 --> 16:32.733 began to foster projects, showing 16:32.733 --> 16:37.533 how needs could be met, through existing resources or new ones. 16:37.533 --> 16:40.433 Many approaches were used. 16:40.433 --> 16:42.566 In some communities, improvement of nursing 16:42.566 --> 16:46.532 homes to provide not only the needed beds but also facilities 16:46.533 --> 16:51.766 for recreation, occupational therapy, rehabilitation. 16:51.766 --> 16:53.532 [Gentle music] 16:53.533 --> 17:04.766 [Senior residents in activity room] 17:05.966 --> 17:09.566 In another community, services for those not sick enough 17:09.566 --> 17:13.532 for institutions but not well enough to care for themselves, 17:13.533 --> 17:16.699 visits to the home by nurses, therapists. 17:16.700 --> 17:24.166 [Nurse inoculating elder woman] 17:24.166 --> 17:28.999 For those unable to cook, portable meals 17:29.000 --> 17:30.233 served in the home. 17:32.666 --> 17:35.132 [Ear exam] 17:35.133 --> 17:38.166 In another community, special health services 17:38.166 --> 17:41.032 in housing projects occupied by the aging. 17:41.933 --> 17:43.533 [X-ray administered] 17:43.533 --> 17:46.433 In another community, a clinic for preventive 17:46.433 --> 17:51.966 checkups to ensure early treatment. 17:51.966 --> 17:55.766 In another, scheduled visits by a podiatrist 17:55.766 --> 18:01.999 to senior centers for the all important care of the feet. 18:02.000 --> 18:05.400 The aim: keep them walking. 18:05.400 --> 18:11.700 [Music playing] 18:11.700 --> 18:20.300 [Podiatrist viewing x-rays] 18:20.300 --> 18:24.333 In another, provision for psychological health 18:24.333 --> 18:27.666 to counteract emotional depression. 18:27.666 --> 18:30.632 In another community, an information and 18:30.633 --> 18:32.733 counseling service. 18:32.733 --> 18:35.433 A social worker helps old people and their families 18:35.433 --> 18:38.733 to plan for their particular needs. 18:38.733 --> 18:43.099 The aim: not just to treat sickness, but maintain 18:43.100 --> 18:44.266 well-being. 18:47.733 --> 18:52.133 All these varied services have proved valuable and necessary. 18:52.133 --> 18:55.899 But though proved, they are still few and far between. 18:55.900 --> 18:58.133 Are our communities ready? 18:58.133 --> 19:00.199 Most surely they are not. 19:00.200 --> 19:01.966 We have learned what is needed. 19:01.966 --> 19:05.132 Experiments and demonstrations have shown the way, 19:05.133 --> 19:09.166 but relatively few communities in our land are ready. 19:09.166 --> 19:13.466 If they were, we know how the story might go. 19:13.466 --> 19:16.432 So let us suppose that we were ready for Edna 19:16.433 --> 19:17.933 and continue her story. 19:17.933 --> 19:21.633 [View through Martha's car window] 19:21.633 --> 19:24.766 Her daughter Martha arrives. 19:24.766 --> 19:28.199 Two days later after the funeral, 19:28.200 --> 19:31.033 they start the journey to Martha's home. 19:31.033 --> 19:47.199 [Soft dramatic music] 19:47.200 --> 19:54.266 [Marth helps her mother into the car] 19:58.066 --> 20:02.199 Here in an urban flat, some readjustments 20:02.200 --> 20:04.300 will be necessary. 20:04.300 --> 20:07.366 Financially, the family will manage. 20:07.366 --> 20:10.932 Martha supplements her husband's earnings with part-time work 20:10.933 --> 20:13.866 during the children's school hours 20:13.866 --> 20:16.366 and Edna now receives from Social Security 20:16.366 --> 20:18.199 Survivor Benefits. 20:18.200 --> 20:23.666 [Music] 20:23.666 --> 20:30.832 But Edna, depressed and worn out, takes to her bed. 20:30.833 --> 20:33.399 How will she be cared for? 20:33.400 --> 20:35.700 A difficult period lies ahead. 20:35.700 --> 20:45.200 [Edna in bed] 20:45.200 --> 20:48.100 [Worker brings in lunch] 20:48.100 --> 20:51.366 For emergencies of this sort, the nearby hospital 20:51.366 --> 20:53.299 arranges a temporary homemaker service. 20:53.300 --> 21:17.766 [Worker adjusts Edna in her bed] 21:17.766 --> 21:21.566 Gradually, Edna becomes more active. 21:21.566 --> 21:25.232 A few weeks later she begins to cope for herself, 21:25.233 --> 21:28.966 but supporting services still come from the hospital. 21:28.966 --> 21:34.399 A nurse visits once a day, the doctor once a week. 21:37.000 --> 21:38.500 [Aging Center sinage] 21:38.500 --> 21:42.333 After a time, they feel she's well enough to come by herself 21:42.333 --> 21:44.599 to the Aging Center at the hospital. 21:44.600 --> 21:47.700 [Nurse writing in log] 21:49.266 --> 21:55.599 Edna begins periodic visits, at first hesitant. 21:55.600 --> 21:58.166 She has her blood pressure checked, 21:58.166 --> 22:00.966 also her hearing and vision. 22:00.966 --> 22:05.966 Such check ups prevent many an accident. 22:05.966 --> 22:10.566 At intervals, she receives new pills to prevent blood clots. 22:10.566 --> 22:14.432 A checkup precedes each allotment. 22:14.433 --> 22:16.266 [Caller for Square Dance:] (singing) Do-si-do now promenade. 22:16.266 --> 22:19.166 You promenade her two by two and take a little walk, 22:19.166 --> 22:23.232 go home with you, and all the way around. 22:23.233 --> 22:24.999 Now all the men look like an [?].. 22:25.000 --> 22:26.833 Go right, now left. 22:26.833 --> 22:28.766 And make your star in the gents in the center 22:28.766 --> 22:29.666 with a backup star. 22:29.666 --> 22:31.266 Now slip the clutch, left out. 22:31.266 --> 22:33.666 A man and a partner ride with the right and left grand. 22:33.666 --> 22:36.199 And a right and a left, go around the ring. 22:36.200 --> 22:38.600 [Narrator:] She gets interested in the center's recreation 22:38.600 --> 22:44.133 program, first as a spectator, later actively. 22:44.133 --> 22:46.699 It becomes a regular part of her week. 22:46.700 --> 22:48.600 [Caller for Square Dance:] Move up to the middle and back. 22:48.600 --> 22:50.566 Now pass through-- 22:50.566 --> 22:52.766 [Narrator:] In the occupational therapy room, 22:52.766 --> 22:54.632 she acquires new interests. 22:54.633 --> 22:57.666 [Gentle music] 22:57.666 --> 23:00.399 [Woman sowing] 23:00.400 --> 23:06.200 [Gentle music] 23:06.200 --> 23:08.366 The regular visits to the Aging Center 23:08.366 --> 23:10.832 become important to Edna. 23:10.833 --> 23:13.699 [Braiding a placemat] 23:13.700 --> 23:23.800 [Other activities] 23:23.800 --> 23:27.733 [Grandchildren playing] 23:27.733 --> 23:29.533 [Granddaughter:] Come on here. 23:29.533 --> 23:30.533 Come. 23:30.533 --> 23:32.099 Come and have fun. 23:32.100 --> 23:35.100 [Narrator:] For a time, at home she still has 23:35.100 --> 23:37.600 periods of deepest gloom. 23:37.600 --> 23:43.500 Sometimes she sits silent for hours, hardly noticing others. 23:43.500 --> 23:51.533 [Granddaughter reading a book out loud] 23:51.533 --> 23:57.166 [Music] 23:57.166 --> 24:03.832 Martha patiently keeps involving her mother in household tasks. 24:03.833 --> 24:07.699 Edna's activities slowly grow. 24:07.700 --> 24:14.300 [Somber music] 24:14.300 --> 24:21.466 [Martha brings her mother potatoes to peel] 24:21.466 --> 24:25.666 [Somber music] 24:25.666 --> 24:27.132 [Psychologist:] Edna do you... 24:27.133 --> 24:29.499 [Narrator:] At the hospital, she discusses her depressions 24:29.500 --> 24:34.133 with a psychologist and begins group counseling sessions. 24:34.133 --> 24:38.366 [Edna Cummings:] I think that I felt better 24:38.366 --> 24:40.032 after I went on the porch and got 24:40.033 --> 24:44.966 a little sunshine on Thursday. 24:44.966 --> 24:48.932 Martha set up a little card party for me 24:48.933 --> 24:57.899 and I had an afternoon of fun, perhaps you would say. 24:57.900 --> 25:04.533 But it seems like a very great problem to talk to people. 25:04.533 --> 25:06.833 [Psychologist:] Well, perhaps by talking some here we 25:06.833 --> 25:09.499 can help you with some of your problems. 25:09.500 --> 25:12.166 Mrs. Hardy, how have you been getting along? 25:12.166 --> 25:13.099 [Mrs. Hardy:] Very well. 25:13.100 --> 25:15.100 [Music] 25:15.100 --> 25:17.833 [Narrator:] The months pass and one day 25:17.833 --> 25:21.199 comes an important moment. 25:21.200 --> 25:23.500 The hospital referral center recommends Edna 25:23.500 --> 25:26.766 for a temporary volunteer job. 25:26.766 --> 25:30.399 She helps with a scholarship fundraising drive. 25:30.400 --> 25:33.133 She's on duty two hours. 25:33.133 --> 25:36.799 At first she fears the responsibility, but in the end, 25:36.800 --> 25:41.200 feels exhilarated. 25:41.200 --> 25:44.900 She feels she's won another blue ribbon. 25:44.900 --> 25:47.700 [Edna reminisces and reaches for her blue-ribbon] 25:47.700 --> 25:50.500 [Edna hand-in-hand with her grandson] 25:50.500 --> 25:54.200 That afternoon walking home with Martha's youngest son, 25:54.200 --> 25:57.333 Edna feels a glow of pride. 25:57.333 --> 26:03.433 Gradually, she is moving into the life of a community. 26:03.433 --> 26:06.566 By 1970, there will be 25 million people 26:06.566 --> 26:10.466 over 65 in the United States. 26:10.466 --> 26:13.099 Of all people since the dawn of history 26:13.100 --> 26:18.733 who have ever reached the age of 65, more than a quarter 26:18.733 --> 26:21.533 will be living. 26:21.533 --> 26:25.666 Will we be ready? 26:25.666 --> 26:28.066 When husband and wife survived together, 26:28.066 --> 26:30.232 they're determined in most cases to maintain 26:30.233 --> 26:32.866 a small home of their own. 26:32.866 --> 26:35.999 When one survives, this may not be practical. 26:36.000 --> 26:37.633 Though many continue to live alone 26:37.633 --> 26:40.366 as long as their health permits, some 26:40.366 --> 26:43.466 find a place with relatives or friends. 26:43.466 --> 26:46.166 Sometimes other arrangements are needed. 26:46.166 --> 26:51.799 Whatever plan is followed, the old have special health needs. 26:51.800 --> 26:55.900 Those over 65 need medical help at least three times 26:55.900 --> 26:58.100 as often as other people. 26:58.100 --> 27:02.733 In any year, at least 1 in 6 is hospitalized. 27:02.733 --> 27:05.733 But with the right attention at the right time, 27:05.733 --> 27:10.733 many can stay on the side of well-being and joy. 27:10.733 --> 27:16.333 We have the knowledge to fulfill the promise if we will use it. 27:16.333 --> 27:19.633 At 65, the average woman now has a life expectancy 27:19.633 --> 27:23.433 of at least another 16 years. 27:23.433 --> 27:25.699 They can be years of harvest. 27:25.700 --> 27:27.800 [Edna Cummings:] We're going to get this nightie on, 27:27.800 --> 27:28.500 these pajamas. 27:28.500 --> 27:31.166 [Narrator:] There can still be the special bond 27:31.166 --> 27:34.966 between the old and the very young. 27:34.966 --> 27:35.566 [Grandson:] OK. 27:35.566 --> 27:36.432 [Edna Cummings:] OK? 27:36.433 --> 27:37.366 [Grandson:] OK. 27:37.366 --> 27:40.432 [Both:] (singing) "A penny for a spool of thread, 27:40.433 --> 27:43.099 a penny for a needle. 27:43.100 --> 27:45.666 That's the way the money goes. 27:45.666 --> 27:47.866 Pop goes the weasel. 27:47.866 --> 27:50.766 The [?] when, he charges for me-- 27:50.766 --> 27:53.532 [Gentle music] 27:53.533 --> 27:56.933 [A film in the series: The quest for security] 27:56.933 --> 28:02.699 [Written and supervised by Erik Barnouw; produced and directed by Stephen Sharff] 28:02.700 --> 28:08.333 [A CMC production: Center for Mass Communication Columbia University Press] 28:08.333 --> 28:12.299 [Produced under the auspices of the United States Department of Health, 28:12.300 --> 28:14.800 Education, and Welfare] 28:14.800 --> 28:19.500 [Public Health Service. Division of Chronic Diseases. Gerontology Branch.] 28:19.500 --> 28:23.166 [In Cooperation with the National Educational Television and Radio Center; 1964] 28:23.166 --> 28:31.899 [Grandson and Edna close-ups]