TV REVIEW : A Celebration of Human Aging

“A Certain Age,” a “Smithsonian World” installment airing at 8 tonight on Channels 28 and 15, is subtitled “A Celebration of Experience.” It is exactly that--a celebration of the human spirit that is often charming and touching.

“A Certain Age” takes the simple path in its look at the ways in which the aging process enriches both the individual and the society. The viewer is presented with a series of personal stories from elder Americans, framed by a few comments from Marc Pachter, a historian from the Smithsonian Institution. There is no formal narration.

This lack of academic formality is one of the reasons that “A Certain Age” is so pleasant. Producer Neil Goodwin has wisely stepped out of the way and let his subjects tell the story. And the primary reason to watch the show is its remarkably natural storytellers.

These are mostly just plain folks--a dairy farmer, a nurse, a restaurateur--with the exception of famed choreographer Agnes de Mille, who is herself down-to-earth despite being interviewed in front of an audience as a National Portrait Gallery “living legend.” Their stories show life as a continuum, revealing common concerns and issues that span a wide mix of races and cultures; they offer insight into the emotional and spiritual aspects of getting old.

“A Certain Age” stumbles somewhat in a segment about the relationship between a grade-school class and the residents of a nursing home. It seems artificial in comparison with the rest of the show.

But that’s a quibble. On the whole, “A Certain Age” is satisfying and, well, nourishing to the spirit.