Beyond Sixty is a 2021 documentary film that takes a closer look at the lives of six ordinary, yet remarkable women, all of whom are over 60 years old. The film showcases the many stories and struggles of women of this generation and aims to challenge the stereotypes that surround aging. The film features Karen Atta, a retired nurse with a passion for dancing who spends her time performing in local shows. Susan Bennett, who is also known as the voice of Siri, discusses her career as a voice actor and shares her thoughts about life after 60. A'Lelia Bundles, a journalist and author, shares her experiences growing up as the great-granddaughter of Madam C. J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the United States.
The other three women featured in the film are Barbara Hillary, a retired nurse who, at the age of 75, became the first African American woman to reach the North Pole; Shirley Ann Higuchi, a lawyer and activist who fought for the rights of Japanese Americans; and Roxanne Quimby, an entrepreneur and conservationist who co-founded Burt's Bees.
Directed by Melissa Davey, Beyond Sixty is an engaging and inspiring documentary that encourages viewers to see aging as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. The film highlights the challenges that many older women face in society, such as ageism and sexism, and how they overcome these challenges to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Throughout the film, each of the women shares her personal story and reflects on the lessons she has learned over the years. They touch on a range of topics, including the importance of following your passion, overcoming adversity, and embracing change. They also discuss the different ways in which they have maintained their physical and mental health as they've aged, from staying active through exercise to practicing mindfulness and meditation.
One of the key messages of the film is the importance of community and connection. The women featured in Beyond Sixty demonstrate the power of building supportive relationships with others, whether it's through participating in social activities, volunteering, or simply reaching out to friends and family. They also discuss the value of intergenerational connections, noting that they have much to learn from younger generations and vice versa.
Overall, Beyond Sixty is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to rethink our cultural attitudes towards aging. Through the stories of these remarkable women, the film shines a light on the many possibilities that exist for those over 60, and encourages us all to embrace a positive and affirming view of aging.
Beyond Sixty is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.
