With the popularity of ABC’s new “The Golden Bachelor” surging in senior living communities, Revel Communities decided to incorporate a little competition to spice things up a bit.
All 13 of Revel’s communities are holding watch parties for every episode, as well as a “Golden Bachelor” bracket competition. Seeing a face that looks like yours on the television can be an eye-opening experience, especially for older adults, according to Danette Opaczewski, chief operating officer and executive vice president of resident experience at Revel.
“The residents are highly engaged with the competition, as they feel connected to the … cast,” she said. Residents “exude excitement watching their peers on television in this capacity,” she added.
For the bracket competition, each community has been randomly assigned two “Golden Bachelor” contestants to champion throughout the season. The community that has its contestant selected at the end will earn a grand finale screening party
Despite the friendly competition, the communities are united in their appreciation for what they see as an honest portrayal of the aging experience.
“The ‘Golden Bachelor’ is not just about romance; it’s a testament to the vitality of the golden years,” Opaczewski said. “It challenges stereotypes, proving that men and women in this age group can be just as energetic, adventurous and healthy as anyone else.”
Of course, as with its predecessors featuring younger contestants, the show caters to the hopeless romantic in us all. Jane Bronsky, a resident at Revel Scottsdale in Arizona, said she admires the determination of her peers on the screen and sees a little bit of herself in them.
“My favorite part … is watching women over the age of 60 still actively looking for love,” she said. “I love watching them put their best foot forward to fight for what they want. I feel a strong sense of connection with the cast because I also have not given up on love. I love the fact that there are still women out there my age willing to try and find the one, just like I am.”
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