Recently in Midtown, the scene was electric. A disco ball shimmered, and the music brought life to seniors who were ready to relive their youthful days. One woman in her late 70s spun with glee, as if transported back to 1976. Meanwhile, a 91-year-old couple strolled the Coney Island boardwalk, reminiscing about decades of love.
This joyful revival is thanks to TikTok creators Johnny Gaffney and Vin Nucatola. They launched a series called “Like Old Times,” which brings New York seniors back to the activities they cherished. With a simple question — “What’s something you loved but haven’t done in years?” — they turn nostalgia into real-life experiences.
Gaffney, who is 38, shared, “Younger people often miss the New York of the past. We want to show that ‘old New York’ is still alive through its seniors.” He emphasizes that many of these individuals still have rich stories to tell. Not all seniors fit the stereotype; many are vibrant and yearning for connection.
Take 79-year-old Elizabeth Katz, for example. A former lifestyle model from the Upper West Side, she danced at Studio 54 in the ’70s but hadn’t stepped into a nightclub in over 30 years. Gaffney and Nucatola arranged a magical evening for her. With excitement, they arrived at her door, dressed for a night on the town. At Disco Sally’s, she felt free and alive again, saying it was “even better than old times.”
The series is not merely about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting. Gaffney believes many seniors crave connection, not just specific activities. For him and Nucatola, this started as a personal project. Nucatola was inspired by his late grandfather, who found joy in revisiting familiar pastimes. Their intention is to create meaningful experiences for seniors, not to turn them into a spectacle.
From its inception, the series has taken off, with over 5.7 million views across various platforms. Many seniors already knew Gaffney from his work in live arts at senior centers, where he’s built strong connections with older adults. Nucatola highlights that 40% of their audience consists of viewers aged 25 to 34, showcasing the broad appeal of their content.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers inspired to connect more with older family members and neighbors. “There’s a loneliness problem among seniors in this country,” Gaffney notes. “They want to be included in activities.”
Just recently, they took a 78-year-old woman, Elsa Lugo, to a concert featuring her favorite band, The Temptations. It was an unforgettable experience, especially when the band dedicated “My Girl” to her. “I couldn’t believe it,” she shared, tears in her eyes. “It made me feel joyful again.”
For many, these outings go beyond personal nostalgia. They are love letters. Bill and Dolores Weeden, an 85- and 91-year-old couple, enjoyed a beautiful night at Coney Island, rediscovering the joy of their early date nights. “It’s key to a long marriage,” Bill laughed, “to have fun and feel youthful.” Even a canceled fireworks display didn’t deter the romantic atmosphere; Gaffney pulled up a video to keep the magic alive as they danced.
This initiative shines a light on how meaningful small moments can be. It highlights the richness of stories among seniors and reminds us of the joy found in shared experiences. Gaffney and Nucatola are successfully bridging generations and proving that treasured memories can continue to warm our hearts, no matter our age.
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