Jun 17 2009
Senior Living Facilities – the Next Hit Reality TV Show?
I’m starting to think that the next hit reality TV show should be shot in a senior living facility. Judging from what I have seen at my father’s Florida continuing care retirement community, there is plenty of material. Who sat with with whom at dinner? Who said they’d call, but didn’t. Who is most likely to flirt with the new – and rare – single men who move in? The drama is endless. And I have to believe that it is not just amusing to those of us on the outside, but it is actually mentally stiumulating to those involved.
Prior to moving into his senior living facility more than a year ago, my father had spent about four years living all alone in a traditional apartment building, filled primarily with people much younger than him who were busy with their own lives. I suspect he would go days without interacting with anyone else, especially in the cold winter months when he would not venture out. Imagine eating every meal alone? It took me a while to realize that this social isolation was having a very negative effect on his mental and physical health. He, of course, denied it, trying to take pride in his belief that he didn’t “need” to be around people as much as most. How wrong he was.
Within a week or so of moving into his Florida continuing care retirement community, I could sense renewed energy in his voice. He started making friends and I could tell he was amused by the “soap opera-like” drama among residents. Within the first month, he met a female resident that he really clicked with. Here we are nearly a year later and they are still going strong, sharing meals, long walks and participating in the facility’s organized activities together. His attitude and energy are far better than when he first moved in. At times he does sound a bit disgusted by some of the gossip and nosy-ness that he thinks some of the residents exhibit. But while he may never be able to admit it, I think he does realize it is better than the alternative – living all alone.
What a great idea! It gives a whole new meaning to the reality TV show Survivor! But perhaps a better title would be the B-Old and the Beautiful. The interaction with the caregivers would be a nice subplot. I’m drafting my treatment now… But seriously, depression is one of the most serious challenges with seniors, and socialization is the main way to combat it. There can never be enough positive reinforcement of this fact.