Many cultures are known for respecting — and even revering — their elders, but our society has most definitely never appeared on the list. The United States has always been more of a “You’re over the hill and on your own, but thanks for raising me, Mom and Dad,” kind of place (cruel but true, I know). Lately, however, the view of elders in our society has slowly started to shift from an attitude of “You’re old and past your prime” to the much more appropriate “You may be older, but you still have a fantastic life, and what can I learn from you?”
Take, for example, the recent obsession with Betty White. Not only did she star on a hit sitcom about a bunch of older women living it up, she’s currently undergoing a career resurgence the likes of which has never been seen before. America is in love with Ms. White. After she stole everyone’s hearts in a Superbowl Snickers ad, a viral Facebook campaign for the Golden Girls star to host Saturday Night Live succeeded. She’ll be hosting on May 8 with musical guest Jay-Z, and the promo for her guest-hosting stint has already created a bigger stir than any of the videos in which this weekend’s host, Gabourey Sidibe appeared (sorry, Cherry Battle).
Now, get ready for another wave in the rise of the “cool octogenarian:” a new reality show on WE called Sunset Daze that’s being billed as Jersey Shore meets Golden Girls meets Real Housewives. Set in a retirement community called Sun City Grand in Surprise (actual town name), Ariz., the show focuses on a group of active seniors living life to the fullest.
There’s Ann, “The Ex-Nun,” who was born and raised in Ireland, who believes in “firmly following her heart, which includes fulfilling a lifelong dream of skydiving at the age of 61.” And she actually was a nun for over 2 decades before realizing the church was not for her. Then there’s Sandy, “The Wild Child,” who’s described as “a 68-year old with a real zest for life.” A retired widow from Oregon, Sandy is the founder of the “Ho’s,” which is what she calls her posse of female friends.
She was hanging out with the Ho’s when the producers of Sunset Daze scouted her for the show. Sandy goes by the nickname “Hi Ho,” and other members of her group include “Ida Ho” — so named because she hails from the state — and Slow Ho, who had a hip replacement. All cast members, like LaWanda “Hot Legs” Price are of the belief that “retirement is just the beginning of a new life,” and the promos for the show certainly portray them living this philosophy.
Since Sunset Daze isn’t your typical reality show of today in that it doesn’t consist of wannabe reality stars reared on shows like The Real World, we have high hopes it will present America’s now-respected older generation doing what they do best: Living life and loving it because they know how precious it is. If skydiving is a part of this zest for life, more power to them.
Screengrab via WEtv.com.