Juan José Bringuez is an 88-year-old musician fighting, against all odds, to play the saxophone again. Of his selfless wife Mirtha, who was mute and then fell gravely ill, Bringuez says: “She is my beloved wife who took such great care of me and put up with my absences when on tour in more prosperous times than these.” We follow Juan as he cares for her devotedly, then watch as Juan himself has to receive care after suffering two strokes.

The Oldies also shows us this musician, who had once taught music, taking saxophone classes from a child himself. Juan José Bringuez’s story is one of cycles and role reversals. It is the story of a leading Cuban saxophonist who strives to play with his group one last time, and refuses to let his physical decline get in the way. Bringuez uses his gift and undying passion for music to live a full life and defy the stigmas attached to old age.