A series of 13 programmes presented by Colin Blakemore.
11: The Seventh Age
Tsuneo Tomita , aged 80 and still an active scientist, is
Professor Blakemore's guide to the exotic world of ageing in Japan. He warns of a crisis to come. By the end of the century, one in five of us in the industrial world will be over 65. But being old need not be a frightening prospect. Nicholas Slonimsky dazzles with his piano playing; Hulda Crooks climbs mountains: both are in their 90s. What does science know of their secret?
Geriatric monkeys, rats that live in a version of Disneyland, and chemicals that rejuvenate ageing neurons are helping researchers ensure that we enjoy the wisdom of old age, rather than suffer the tragedy of stroke or senility.
Producer (BBC) IAN CALVERT
Producer (WNET) JOHN HEMINWAY Film editor CHRIS BEZANT
Executive editor RICHARD HUTTON Series producer MARTIN FREETH
Co-produced with WNET New York