Los Angeles-based photographer Kendrick Brinson traveled to an Arizona city dedicated to serving retirees for his elderly photography project. In fact, Sun City requires its residents to be 55 or older, and more than 10,000 of the 42,500-person population is over 80.
The series, titled 'Sun City: Life After Life,' is the opposite of what you would expect from a retirement community; it's bursting with a zest for life that simply can't be tamed. A day in the life of a typical Sun City resident will put the average teenager to shame. Filled with dance classes, baseball games, bowling and even synchronized swimming, the days are a celebration of a life well-lived. Grandchildren are permitted visits, but they're short in length, lest they disrupt the vibrant energy with constant texting and scowling, or whatever it is teenagers do.
Looking through these images, one realizes that there's nothing to fear when it comes to aging: it is, like adolescence, a period of discovering the world all over again.
Exuberant Retiree Photography
This Elderly Photography Series Captures the Spirit of Community
Trend Themes
1. Retirement Community Revival - Exploring the vibrant and active lifestyles of retirees in dedicated communities presents opportunities for businesses to develop products and services tailored to this demographic.
2. Positive Aging Narrative - Promoting a positive and celebratory narrative around aging opens up avenues for businesses to create innovative solutions that cater to the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults.
3. Intergenerational Engagement - Creating spaces and programs that facilitate intergenerational interaction and connection presents opportunities for businesses to develop products and services that bridge the generation gap and promote understanding between different age groups.
Industry Implications
1. Retirement Communities - Retirement communities can capitalize on the trend by offering a wide range of activities and services that promote an active and engaging lifestyle for older adults.
2. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can develop innovative solutions to support the physical and mental well-being of older adults, focusing on active aging and preventive care.
3. Leisure and Entertainment - Leisure and entertainment industries can create tailored experiences and products that cater to the interests and preferences of the older adult demographic, promoting a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.