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Directors Still Making Great Films After 50
Trivia: The famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is attributed to which Dutch artist?
RetireHub
July 30, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on directors still making great films after 50, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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What We’re Reading
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 | By: Zara Keane Angel Doyle, a reformed thief turned accidental private investigator, finds herself on the run after tranquilizing a London gangster during her first real job. Fleeing to France, she’s reluctantly joined by a flamboyant, out-of-work actor named Sidney, who becomes her unlikely partner in crime-solving. With a kidnapped cat, a vanishing corpse, and danger at every turn, the duo must race to Nice to solve a murder and clear their names before they end up the next victims. |
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom—Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
There are very few things that truly make us smile. I mean, REALLY make us smile, from the inside out. The first thought that comes to mind is then I think about my husband, the love of my life. Secondly, when I think of my children, all grown up with lives of their own, but somehow still babies in my heart and mind. For those lucky enough to have grandchildren, you know that thinking about them and our love for them fills our heart and soul like nothing else. Of course, our faith, no matter what our denomination, should bring peace and love in our existence. And, of course, last but not least, good friends.
Once a season (Spring, Summer and Fall), a few of us “girls” get together for dinner at our favorite restaurant just to catch up. I only mentioned the three seasons because we take winters off – winters in the Northeast are rough and we never want to put anyone in danger while driving during ice storms or blizzards. We always meet at the same restaurant, always a table by the water, watching the sunset and eating fabulous food. For the record, we never forget dessert! Calories do not count when you are eating with good friends. We are former co-workers who now lead very different lives. We all have new jobs, with a couple of us counting the days until full retirement. I have three grown boys out on their own, one friend has two grown daughters but is not yet an empty nester, and one has no children – so our stories are vastly different but no less interesting. When we gather, we laugh at the same old stories, cry at the same old stories and just talk about everyday life as it currently exists. Thursday evening proved to be no different.
This visit was slightly more “adult-ish”. One of my friends recently lost her Mom. I recently had a health scare that I am still recovering from. The third had an extremely exciting, possibly life-changing event which I am not at liberty to share because friends never tell secrets, but I assure you our eyes were wide open as we listened!
I must admit, on this visit I laughed more than I ever had at any of our quarterly events. No special reasons, but the stories seemed funnier and more real than ever. At the end of the evening, we hugged, promised to get together at the end of September, got into our own cars and off we drove. All the way home, I smiled. A real smile.
At the time I am writing this column, I am still smiling. A real smile. I hope my friends are smiling as they read my column today.
Write in and tell me about your special friendships! I would love to hear your stories.
Until next time, where every goodbye is just a promise of a new hello,
Joanne
On this day in 1935, the first Penguin paperback books were released in Britain, revolutionizing the way people read. By making quality literature affordable and portable, Penguin brought classics and contemporary works alike to everyday readers—right from train stations and grocery stores. The iconic color-coded covers quickly became a familiar sight in handbags and back pockets, sparking a reading revolution that made books feel as accessible as a cup of tea. It was the start of a literary movement that proved great stories don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Directors Still Making Great Films After 50
Creativity doesn’t retire at 50—in fact, many of the world’s most beloved filmmakers are hitting their stride well past that milestone. With decades of experience behind the camera, these directors bring a unique blend of wisdom, perspective, and storytelling finesse that only time can refine. Age isn’t a limitation in Hollywood—it’s often a secret weapon.
Take Martin Scorsese, for example. Now in his 80s, he’s still captivating audiences with deeply layered films like Killers of the Flower Moon, proving that powerful storytelling gets even richer with time. His ability to evolve while staying true to his cinematic roots has made him a beacon for younger filmmakers and a source of joy for movie lovers across generations.
Then there’s Greta Gerwig’s idol, George Miller, who directed Mad Max: Fury Road at 70 and Furiosa at 79—delivering pulse-pounding action with fresh energy and bold vision. His work reminds us that reinvention is always possible, no matter how long you’ve been in the game.
Other legends like Ridley Scott (Napoleon), Nancy Meyers (The Intern), and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods) continue to surprise and innovate, proving that stories told through the lens of experience can be just as dynamic, thrilling, and emotionally rich as those told by newcomers.
Part of the magic is perspective. Filmmakers over 50 have lived through decades of social change, personal growth, and evolving technology, and they bring that layered understanding to the screen. Their films often tap into universal themes—regret, legacy, resilience, reinvention—that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
As the film industry slowly becomes more inclusive of age diversity behind the camera, audiences benefit from a wider, richer variety of stories. Age brings insight and fearlessness—two things that often make a good movie great.
So whether it’s a moody drama, a quirky rom-com, or a sprawling historical epic, some of the most meaningful films today are still coming from directors whose best work might just be ahead of them. Because when it comes to great storytelling, the only number that matters is the one on the director’s clapboard.
Do You Think Directors Get Better With Age? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Do you use a VPN?
Our recent poll shows that while Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are gaining attention, most folks aren’t quite ready to commit. Only 16% of respondents say they use a VPN regularly for added privacy, and 7% use one occasionally—mostly when on public Wi-Fi. Interestingly, a solid 34% say they’ve been curious about VPNs but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Meanwhile, 36% don’t feel the need for one at all. Whether you're a tech-savvy pro or just learning the ropes, it's clear VPNs are on more people’s minds than ever!
TOP COMMENTS
“I don't, but I have considered looking into it.”
“I like the security of VPN but don't know enough about it or how to try it out if there is a cost.”
“Not sure if I have one or not, and how to use it if I do.”
Embracing Life’s Transitions: Finding Your Spark After 60
Life after 60 is often full of change—retirement, becoming a caregiver, moving homes, or simply adjusting to a new pace. These transitions can feel disorienting at times, but they also hold the potential for joy, growth, and rediscovery. Embracing change doesn’t mean pretending everything’s easy—it means honoring what’s shifting and allowing yourself to evolve with it.
Small steps like naming what’s changing in your life, letting go of outdated beliefs, and creating grounding rituals can make a big difference. Whether it’s lighting a candle during your morning coffee, joining a new group, or journaling about what’s ahead, these gentle practices help bring clarity and calm. Most importantly, finding connection—through friends, family, or community—can remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.
This chapter isn’t about winding down—it’s about finding your spark, your “fizz,” and letting it light the way forward. There’s beauty in becoming who you are now, not who you used to be. Each transition is a chance to begin again, with wisdom, humor, and hope by your side.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Chair vibes
Meaning: The deeply satisfying feeling of settling into your favorite chair—usually accompanied by a sigh, a snack, and absolutely no plans to get up anytime soon. It’s all about comfort, contentment, and claiming your personal throne.
In a sentence: “After watering the garden and catching up on the neighborhood gossip, I slipped into my recliner with a glass of iced tea—full-on Chair Vibes, baby!”
Good News of the Day
Shoes Stay On at Airport Security — A Welcome Change for Travelers
Good news for weary travelers—starting this July, most U.S. airports will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during TSA security screenings. This long-awaited change comes thanks to upgraded scanning technology and improved security protocols that make the old rule unnecessary for the majority of travelers. Originally introduced after a 2001 shoe bombing attempt, the policy had become a major travel nuisance, especially for seniors and families. Now, with better equipment and smarter systems in place, keeping your shoes on means quicker lines, less hassle, and a smoother journey from curb to gate. It's a small comfort, but one that marks a welcome shift toward a more traveler-friendly airport experience.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
What 19th-century invention by Samuel Morse revolutionized long-distance communication? |
Which U.S. president famously declared “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” during his inaugural address? |
The famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is attributed to which Dutch artist? |
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