Introduction: Lives Well Lived (01:19)

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This film is a collection of 40 interviews with elderly people. They share their life experiences, wisdom, and stories.

What is your definition of a life well lived? (01:54)

Interviewees talk about following their passions and being engaged in their actions. Several discuss the importance of love and friendship.

Dr. Lou Tedone, age 92 (05:06)

Tedone is a retired doctor and makes mozzarella. He and his wife, who died 22 years ago, had nine children. He says his happiness comes from his family and helping people.

Emmy Cleaves, age 86 (06:28)

Cleaves, born in Latvia, becomes separated from her family during World War II. She discusses keeping hope alive and going to the United States where she reunited with her mother. She has been married for 50 years and is a yoga instructor.

Rose Albano Ballestero, age 80 (04:04)

Ballestero's parents are Mexican and Filipino; she has eight siblings. The Girl Scouts and her teacher taught her to dream big and became a teacher. She is currently working on her doctorate degree.

What is your secret for a happy life? (01:58)

Several interviewees say their happy life comes from family and optimism. Others advise not trying to predict how life will go.

Susy Eto Bauman, age 95 (06:26)

Bauman keeps active because she wants to live to be 100. She discusses being in an internment camp during World War II with her two young children. She has learned to be strong and positive to overcome obstacles.

Blanche Brown, age 78 (03:42)

Brown was a housewife until she became involved with dancing at age 35; she was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in San Francisco. Brown is a dance teacher and Yoruba priest.

What is the one thing that people should not worry about? (01:32)

Brown says people should not worry about getting old. Several interviewees suggest not caring about what others think.

Evy Justesen, age 81 (04:07)

Justesen grew up in Denmark during World War II, while her family helped refugees flee to Sweden. She believes attitude determines what people get out of life. She discusses painting after her retirement.

Santi Visalli, age 81 (03:35)

Visalli worked as a photojournalist for 40 years. He grew up in Sicily and was happy despite poverty. He has been married for 55 years.

Wachtang "Botso" Korisheli, age 93 (04:01)

Korisheli grew up in Georgia; his father was executed as a political prisoner when he was 14. He has lived life based on what his father taught him. He is a music and sculpture teacher.

What do you wish younger people understood about life? (02:03)

Several interviewees say younger people should live in the moment. Everyone should do the best they can and be themselves.

Ciel Bergman, age 76 (03:25)

Bergman is a painter who expresses herself through art. She has had numerous jobs and follows her passions.

Dr. Edward Okun, age 82 (02:26)

Okun has been Bergman's partner for five years. The couple discusses meeting after both of their partner's died.

Marion and Paul Wolff, both age 84 (08:52)

The Wolffs discuss meeting on a blind date; they have been married for 54 years. Marion believes their similarities have kept them together for so long. They both fled Europe with other Jewish refugees after Kristallnacht.

What do you think about your own morality? (02:43)

Several interviewees view death as a part of life. They hope they have made an impact on the world and are remembered.

Evelyn Ricciuti, age 103 (05:00)

Ricciuti was born into an Italian section of the Bronx in 1912. She was married for 68 years and had two children. She thinks feelings and actions are more important than age.

Credits: Lives Well Lived (01:55)

Credits: Lives Well Lived