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.
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 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.