Looking for a film that will help you abstain from that heaping bowl of buttery popcorn you’ve grown accustomed to diving into when crashing on your sofa? Look no further. The fitness documentary Aging Evolution, directed by Jason Ellis, enlists the help of Mark Cuban and others in the fitness world to help shape your body, diet, and mind.
Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss introduces us to the concept of the “Aging Evolution.” The idea is that just because an individual is going up in age doesn’t mean that there isn’t an opportunity to reverse weight gain and poor health. Through a series of interviews with celebrities, professional bodybuilders, fitness influencers, and successful business owners, a narrative is shaped to improve an individual’s health and fitness well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Mark Cuban is now in his 60s and discusses the heart problems he faced in previous years, particularly his AFib (atrial fibrillation), and explains that he believes a lifestyle change contributed to solving his issues. Babette Davis, a woman now in her 70s, explains how a drastic change in diet helped bring new energy and vitality into her life. Phil Collen, lead guitarist of rock band Def Leppard, describes that a lifelong dedication to vigorous exercise and a vegetarian diet has helped him maintain the energy he needs for touring and kept him out of common pitfalls of a “rock n roll lifestyle”. Nearly every interviewee is over the age of 50 and attributes their success in life to eating well and keeping fit.
“…improving an individual’s health and fitness well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s...”
Fitness, body weight, and overall health are hotly debated topics in cultural conversation right now. When I was growing up, different diets were making the rounds; “low-fat,” “low-carb,” and “Atkins” are words that come to mind. But fast-forward twenty years, and the conversation has shifted from which diet is best to whether it’s beneficial to diet at all. Some even claim that being overweight is not unhealthy. There is a ton of information and plenty of opposing opinions out there, though Aging Evolution plants its flag firmly in the sand and takes a clear stand on health and fitness.
All those interviewed believe that eating well and staying fit are keys to happiness and success in life. The film has a motivational aspect, in which many of the subjects propose a “mind over matter” technique. They suggest that a change in mindset can help someone overcome their obstacles and challenges. I’m not sure if that is always the case, but I certainly appreciate the optimism.
Aging Evolution almost exclusively relies on personal testimonies. There is little scientific evidence referenced to back up its message. That is not to say that there isn’t data that exists to support their stance; it’s just not mentioned here. I can totally understand how that might give viewers reason to doubt. Nevertheless, the interviews are very encouraging and inspiring to those who could use a positive push forward in their health journey.
"…the interviews are very encouraging and inspiring..."
