When you think of TikTok videos, senior citizens probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. And indeed, Bear Creek Assisted & Senior Living, a senior living community in Colorado Springs, never expected their TikTok account to go viral. But after one of their videos got 17.1 million views (and counting), that’s exactly where they ended up. With TikTok trends, joyful staff-resident moments, and uplifting glimpses into the lives of these amazing seniors, Bear Creek’s presence reaches far beyond Colorado Springs.
In a world chock-full of social media videos, this unexpected viral moment is clearly about more than entertainment. So why are people all over the world captivated by these silly videos of senior citizens? The true hero here is Bear Creek’s thriving, connected community. Here, laughter, fun, and creativity are part of everyday life.
What is TikTok?
If you’re not familiar, TikTok is a (somewhat controversial) social media site featuring short video clips made by its users. The videos are usually under a minute in length. Most TikTok users are between the ages of 18 and 34, and people all over the world use this social media platform. It’s most popular in the United States, Indonesia, and Brazil, but there are millions of users everywhere, from Myanmar to Colombia. The videos can be about almost anything, and often include “TikTok trends”. These “trends” involve popular songs or hashtags, creative challenges, and dances.
Most TikTok users also post their videos on other social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram (where the videos are called Reels).
Bear Creek’s TikTok presence is unusual because it features senior citizens. Seniors are rarely represented in viral social media videos. This is likely because most people using social media sites are between 18 and 45. But Bear Creek isn’t shy about showing seniors living their lives and continuing to express joy, energy, and creativity. The videos on Bear Creek’s TikTok are posted by staff members, who use these TikTok trends and challenges to show that seniors matter too. For example, a recent viral video showed Bear Creek residents participating in the TikTok “#fitcheck” challenge, where they encourage followers to check out residents’ outfits.
Bear Creek Senior Living’s Unexpected TikTok Following
Like all Stellar Senior Living Communities, Bear Creek is known for their energetic lifestyle and chock-full activities calendar. They host 40-50 on- and off-site activities every week. Every day brings something fun and new to celebrate! Bear Creek Assisted & Senior Living’s TikTok account began in January of 2024, with videos showing just a few of these daily activities.
But the account really began gaining millions of views and followers when they posted a short video of their Brews & Tattoos event in March of 2024. In this video, we see senior community members getting “tatted up” with temporary tattoos–some more daring than others! Now, their TikTok account has more than 15,000 followers and over 5 million “likes”, with plenty more videos getting 5-7 million views.
Some recent favorites have included “Fit Check,” featuring adorable seniors in even more adorable outfits participating in the “fit check” TikTok trend. Another Bear Creek viral video shows two senior women drinking wine and chatting with gorgeous views of Pikes Peak in the background. More senior ladies dance it up to modern hip hop in Bear Creek’s halls.
These irreverent videos show that life at Bear Creek is nothing like your typical “nursing home.” Of course, routine activities include dancing, slip-n-slides, Drag Bingo, and disco parties. But the videos also showcase the relationships between community members at Bear Creek. They also highlight the connection between staff members and residents. These connections are what make Bear Creek truly special.
The Culture Behind the Camera
Bear Creek’s culture of creativity, fun, and engagement is what makes these videos possible. An incredible Life Enrichment director plans purposeful activities for all senior living residents, from those with “level 0” care (meaning complete independence) to Skilled Nursing residents, who require extensive medical care. The Life Enrichment team takes the time to get to know residents, including their likes, dislikes, needs, and personal history. They carefully create activities intended to engage all residents and help them form friendships and relationships. Fun is a top priority (of course), but these activities also help community members be physically and mentally active.
A meaningful, active lifestyle full of friends plays a key role in senior living residents’ happiness. Engaging in physical fitness, social activities, and trying new things helps seniors with improved physical and mental health, increased cognitive function, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved overall well-being. The people behind the camera work hard every day to make these senior citizens’ lives stellar.
Why It Matters
While a silly video of some seniors dancing may seem like simple entertainment, Bear Creek’s social media presence serves a greater purpose. Reaching millions of people through social media allows Bear Creek to change public perception of seniors and senior living. With time, we believe this will help combat ageism and the isolation that many elderly people face. In our fast-paced, youth-focused society, “old people” sometimes get forgotten or seen as irrelevant. But older people are still people–people with lives and family members and friends, with a fondness for fashion and dance and food, with advice and wisdom. Nothing makes this clearer than the sweet, goofy, joyful videos on Bear Creek’s social media accounts.
Tour Bear Creek Assisted & Senior Living Today!
Bear Creek Assisted & Senior Living Community is more than just a TikTok sensation. It’s a thriving, joyful, connected community. Bear Creek strives to make every day Stellar for everyone who calls it home. But you don’t have to take our word for it. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, take a tour of Bear Creek Assisted & Senior Living today and see for yourself!
