Daniel Petrie — Canadian Director born on November 26, 1920, died on August 22, 2004

Daniel Mannix Petrie was a Canadian television and film director... (wikipedia)

There has been a change in attitude, though.
I do feel that the trend is away from ageism and toward a recognition that older people have a unique voice.
The second Cocoon questions that and deals much more directly with the value of living in the real world with its trials and tribulations. I would say it's about that and not about aging or death.
Yes, the experience of all stages of life are valuable, not just of youth.
I had a feeling about directing Cocoon II: The Return. At first I wasn't too interested because it was a sequel. Then I read the script and was excited by the relationships and its mystic quality.