The increasingly bumpy road into old age calls for humor to help smooth the ride and encourage baby boomers to plan ahead for end-of-life issues. Bette Davis often gets credit for the saying, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”
The Kominsky Method shows how to age with humor. The award-winning Netflix TV series stars Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky, an aging acting coach, and Alan Arkin as Norman Newlander, his long-time agent and friend. The series pokes fun at a range of aging issues: fear of death, funeral planning, diseases that can kill you, the growing multitude of medications and supplements we take, and yes, even estate planning.
The Kominsky Method was produced from 2018 to 2021 and continues to stream on Netflix. It’s just starting to become available on DVDs.
In the first season, Norman’s wife dies of cancer and Sandy supports his friend through her death, honoring her wishes for funeral planning, and convincing Norman that he has a reason to continue living. Sandy has his own issues to contend with: avoiding the topic of death, contending with prostate issues, dating and relationships, and paying back taxes to the IRS.
You can get a sense of the humor in this collection of clips from the series:
In later episodes, Norman processes his grief and explores dating. Sandy experiences the challenges of being the executor of an estate. Sandy’s ex-wife comes back into his life, with lessons for those who need to make advance medical directives. All of these tough topics are tackled with a light touch that makes them easier to discuss after watching this series.
Gail Rubin, who has a license to use film clips in her presentations, will present “Not Planning to Die with The Kominsky Method” during the Before I Die New Mexico Festival. The Festival will take place in Albuquerque, NM and online October 30 to November 2, 2021. Depending on pandemic conditions, in-person Festival events may become online sessions. Learn more and register at www.BeforeIDieNM.com.
Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
- Create A Great Funeral Day - October 14, 2021
- The Kominsky Method Tackles End-of-Life Issues with Humor - September 23, 2021
- The Five W’s of Holding a Memorial Service - August 26, 2021
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