Seniors love a good TV comedy as much as anyone, especially if it’s as relatable as the popular Netflix show, A Man on the Inside created by Michael Schur, known for his hit series like The Good Place and Parks and Recreation. We’ve been laughing along with Ted Danson–who plays Charles–charming attempts to blend into a senior living community. His job? Fake being a new resident to uncover who stole an heirloom necklace.

A Man on the Inside tackles misconceptions with thoughtful insight as well as humor. Let’s see how their portrayal stacks up against real life in senior living communities around the country managed by The Goodman Group.

Breaking Down Senior Living Myths

Although the show's Pacific View Retirement Center initially seems to follow typical portrayals of senior living communities, it quickly reveals a more realistic and honest depiction of life in such a community. Today's senior living communities have changed dramatically, replacing the old “nursing home” stereotype with lovely home-like settings that offer a wide range of care options. It’s no wonder active, independent retirees are flocking to these communities. Today, senior living is all about lifestyle.

Like many who consider senior living communities, Charles' story begins with a life transition. Charles lives alone at home, following the death of his beloved wife. “I’m just worried about him, reveals his daughter Emily. “He’s retired now. When mom was alive, they lived this big, full life.”

Didi, managing director of the show’s retirement community, understands. “For the majority of seniors, the threat to their well-being isn’t an accident or health, it’s loneliness,” she explains. 

In fact, about a third of older Americans say they sometimes feel isolated and lack companionship. Yet, senior living communities offer endless opportunities for meaningful connections that enhance physical, emotional and cognitive health.

So in the show, Emily challenges her dad: “find something that excites you!” To Charles, a retired engineering professor, becoming an undercover sleuth seems intriguing. Turns out, it’s also uplifting. “I don’t know how to be a spy,” he admits, “but it’s good for me. Makes me feel useful.”

Transitioning to a New Life

“A few bumps in the road today, if I’m being honest.” Charles records a daily report for the private investigator who hired him. He’s finding it harder to blend in than he expected. Like many new residents, he feels shy at first, unsure of how things work. Not knowing where to sit in the dining room, he skips breakfast. The managing director notices and asks two residents to invite him to lunch.

In communities managed by The Goodman Group, naturally, outgoing residents serve as resident ambassadors, taking new folks under their wing to help them get acquainted. Welcome lunches and popular fellowship tables at meal times make it easy to find new friends with similar interests.

As Charles continues to settle into his new role, he updates his private investigator to say, “This place is insane. It’s like high school.” Real residents of senior living communities may not get up to the antics that make A Man on the Inside so funny, but they are surrounded with opportunities to enjoy all that life has to offer.

From New Resident to New Friends

As Charles discovers, community life opens doors to new experiences and relationships. In the TV show, residents go sightseeing, take poetry and painting classes, and develop great relationships with team members as well as fellow residents. 

The same is true in real life. Karen B., national director of life enrichment at The Goodman Group, says team members work closely with residents at each managed community to create activities and programs that match resident interests and provide real social value. What does that look like? The sky’s the limit, literally—whether it's skydiving at Miramont Pointe in Clackamas OR, or partaking in Twisted Stitchers, a knitting and crocheting group at Old Main Village in Mankato, MN. 

But the most meaningful connections happen day by day. Just as Charles forms unexpected bonds at Pacific View, real residents find their lives transformed through new friendships. Residents often tell us they wish they had moved in sooner. Families are thrilled to see their loved ones come alive and thrive again. But why stop at best friends? For Linda R. and John H., residents at The Lodge, located on The Lakes at Stillwater campus in Stillwater, MN, it was love at first sight–proving that life's greatest adventures can begin in a senior living community.

Aging with a Sense of Humor

Forbes describes A Man on the Inside as “A genuinely heartfelt exploration of friendship, romance and parenting in the twilight years.” We are encouraged to see a major television series celebrating the spirit of senior living while showing how communities come together to embrace life's next chapter. Follow along and read our next blog in the series, unpacking how the show uses humor to address the more serious and difficult conversations related to aging.