At certain senior living facilities, the true essence of "independence" is unmistakable.
The desire to fulfill lifelong dreams doesn't fade away within the confines of a nursing home or any other residence specifically designed for older individuals. This is certainly apparent among the residents of StoryPoint Senior Living, a chain of independent, assisted-living, and memory-care facilities. Notably, Independence Village Waukee in Waukee, Iowa, was showcased in a TikTok ad during the recent Republican presidential debate.
Contrary to common misconceptions, where independent and assisted living are seen as places to spend the end of one's days, Kristen Dillard, senior marketing leader at StoryPoint Group, emphasizes that the staff members at their various locations aim to disprove this notion. Often known as "life-enrichment directors," these dedicated individuals make it a priority to ask residents about their aspirations and go above and beyond to fulfill them.
Their ultimate goal is to make every moment count by enriching the lives of residents. This includes helping them accomplish things they may believe are beyond their reach or even things that society deems too old for them. StoryPoint has shared a captivating video on TikTok where residents, adorned in white clothing with one resident in red, joyfully dance to a Rihanna song. This particular video has amassed over 441,000 views and has even captured the attention of Rihanna's lingerie company, Savage X Fenty.
While most of the company's residences are located in the Midwest, they also have a presence beyond that region, including Connecticut and Tennessee.
According to Consumer Affairs, there are over 810,000 individuals residing in assisted-living facilities in the United States. It is important to note that this is just one category within the realm of senior living. Additionally, 1.35 million people call nursing homes their home. Unfortunately, these types of residences have been associated with negative experiences, especially during the pandemic.
Loneliness is a significant concern for older Americans, including those living in senior living arrangements. In fact, a 2019 report published in the National Library of Medicine discovered that more than one in three older individuals in assisted-living facilities face "adverse health outcomes" resulting from feelings of loneliness.
In a recent interview, Dillard shared insights about the TikTok spotlight and how social media can reshape our perception of aging. Here are some highlights from the conversation:
Exploring the Unexpected: Bringing Joy to Residents
Dillard explains that the goal of their life-enrichment team is to give their residents something to look forward to every day. They go above and beyond to create memorable experiences. For instance, when they discovered that one resident had visited every state except Maine, the life-enrichment director arranged a virtual tour of Acadia National Park, fulfilling the resident's dream. Another resident in their late 90s expressed a desire to get a tattoo, and to everyone's surprise, both the resident and the life-enrichment director ended up with matching tattoos. Additionally, a memory-care resident who used to fly planes was given the chance to soar once more by accompanying a pilot on a flight.
The Joy of Creating Content: Unleashing the TikTok Spirit
When asked about the residents' reaction to participating in TikTok videos, Dillard reveals that they absolutely love it. They have even been interviewed on an Australian version of “Good Morning America” due to their viral content. However, Dillard emphasizes that participation in these videos is entirely voluntary; no resident is ever forced to be part of them. The joy comes from sharing these moments with family and being able to say, "Can you believe it? We're famous!"
Dispelling the Myths: Redefining Aging
Dillard emphasizes the importance of featuring these videos on platforms like TikTok and sharing them with the general public. By doing so, they are challenging the negative stereotypes associated with senior living. Society often tells us that aging is undesirable and that beauty is limited to youth. However, Dillard and their team are determined to combat this messaging. They believe that life doesn't lose its vibrancy when you transition to a senior living facility. On the contrary, it is a place where dreams can still be pursued and new chapters can unfold.
Empowering through TikTok: Inspiring the Younger Generation
Dillard notes that showcasing these videos on TikTok is especially significant because it reaches a younger demographic. By witnessing the amazing things older adults can do, it helps break down age-related biases and encourages young people to support and motivate their grandparents and loved ones to explore new adventures. Aging is not something to fear; it is an opportunity to thrive and continue being remarkable, even at 95 years old.
In conclusion, Dillard's innovative use of TikTok demonstrates that aging can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. Their efforts inspire us to reframe our perspectives on aging and cherish the incredible possibilities that come with every stage of life.
