Editorial: What twilight years?

Friday, July 13, 2007 | 7:23 a.m.

I s there anything fun about growing old?

Only if your definition of fun includes playing softball, partying with your friends, dancing, working out, hiking, swimming and having an active sex life.

A documentary that celebrates such activity in the lives of area senior citizens will debut Saturday during the Las Vegas International Film Festival. It will be shown for free at 3:30 p.m. at the Orleans.

The film's title, "Off the Rocker," gives away its theme, that of seniors who are not depressed about having reached their later years, and who are, in fact, rejoicing in this era of their lives.

Matthew Bardocz, who, with his wife, actress Christine Blackburn, made the film, talked with Las Vegas Sun reporter Ed Koch for a story that ran in Monday's paper. Bardocz said he expects some critics will say the film lacks any perspective about deeper issues that affect seniors, such as affordable housing and health care.

But there are many who would say he made the right decision to focus attention on the potential for seniors to wake up each day to full, active and happy lives.

The festival's critics apparently thought that way: The documentary won the award for best feature film made in Nevada.

So much of our entertainment culture is youth-oriented - Paris Hilton, et al. - that it's nice to learn about a film that gives another perspective, one from the lives of people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s. And for those over 100, more power to them if they're getting out and having some fun.

We hope this documentary, which was shot to run as an hourlong TV show, energizes seniors who mistakenly think their best years are behind them. Seniors add so much to their own lives, and the lives of others, when they get out and engage in whatever activity interests them.