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"The Art of Retirement" Helps Paint a Pleasing Picture of Your Later Years

Is "Grace and Frankie" an Accurate Picture of Growing Older?

Media Screen Shot 2015-07-16 at 7.43.02 AMGrace and Frankie, the situation comedy series starring Jane Fonda and Lili Tomlin, has become an online sensation. Airing only on Netflix, the first season was such a hit that the series has been renewed for another season. The premise is somewhat unusual: two long-married mature women learn that their husbands (played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston), who work together in a law firm, are more (much more) than business partners.

In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning gay marriage, the show will likely take on even more meaning in Season Two. But Season One has already served up aspects of senior life that will surely resonate with boomers. Derek Dunham, writing for MediaPost, points out to marketers that Grace and Frankie accurately reflects on boomers' contemporary attitudes and lifestyles. These "older" characters are shown going online, getting divorced, coming out, falling in love, having sex, smoking marijuana, and continuing to work. Frankie's family is also a multi-racial blend of adopted kids. Even age discrimination is on full display in an episode in which Grace and Frankie are ignored by a store clerk who focuses his attention on a younger customer.

Grace and Frankie turns out to be a pretty interesting mirror for all of us.

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