Mimi & Ian
Lessons in Love and Change
The Next Chapter Project · Episode 1
A portrait of Mimi and Ian Paller — an engineer, a doctor, and lifelong partners — who reflect on a life of discovery, love, and resilience. From her groundbreaking work at JPL to their decades together in Long Beach, CA, Mimi shares how Ian’s dementia reshaped their journey, leading them to downsize and relocate to a retirement community. Together, they offer heartfelt advice to younger generations about love, change, and the meaning of home.
Merridith
It Takes A Village: How Families Are Navigating Long-Term Care
The Next Chapter Project · Episode 2
In this episode, we sit down with Merridith, a certified long-term care specialist and “midlife concierge,” who shares what long-term care truly means — from aging safely at home to navigating caregiving during times of injury or crisis. She reminds us that it takes a village — and that planning early, finding trustworthy resources, and building a “dream team” of support can change everything.
Angelina
Migration, Family, and a Life of Care
The Next Chapter Project · Episode 3
Angelina came to the United States from Honduras with hope for a better life — and in the process, she became a second mother to the children she cared for. For 35 years, she worked as a nanny in the same household, raising Dana’s son, Gus, and becoming a cornerstone of their family.
In Episode 3 of The Next Chapter Project, we explore Angelina’s story of migration, caregiving, identity, and the profound emotional bonds created through decades of love and labor. This episode honors the caregivers whose stories often go untold — and the families forever changed by their presence.
The Next Chapter Project
The Next Chapter Project is a series of short, human-centered documentaries that explore how we live, love, and adapt as we age. Each film highlights deeply personal stories alongside expert voices to shed light on the transitions that shape our lives — from downsizing a family home, to reimagining what community means, to caregiving and planning for the future with dignity and joy.
Created by Hearts at Home, a design studio certified in aging in place, the project combines cinematic storytelling with practical insights into universal design, long-term care, and mid-life planning. Our goal is to start conversations across generations: inspiring people in their 30s and 40s who may be helping parents or grandparents, while also offering guidance and hope to those navigating their own next chapter.
At its heart, The Next Chapter Project is more than content — it’s a movement. We’re building awareness around aging, creating emotional connections through film, and working toward a future where every person has access to safe, supportive, and beautifully designed environments.