Exclusive | TikTok’s next gen of stars are coming from this NYC senior center: ‘See you in Hollywood!’

Exclusive: NYC Senior Center Creates New TikTok Stars

A senior living community in The Bronx is producing a fresh wave of social media influencers. The “Old Friend Club,” a group of eight residents at RiverSpring Living, has attracted nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok since launching last month.

From Riverdale to Hollywood Dreams

“My daughter says, ‘Oh Mother, you just keep going on, we’re going to see you in Hollywood!” said Shirley Johnson, 85, a Manhattan native who has lived at the nursing home for almost five years.

Johnson and her friends have become popular online by sharing their collective wisdom and speaking candidly. The group’s content includes playing games, commenting on pop culture trends like the Sonny Angel doll craze, but mainly focuses on life advice for younger generations.

Finding Purpose and Connection

Being part of the group has brought excitement and meaning to Johnson’s life, especially after the loss of her husband of 55 years in 2021 and the amputation of her left leg. She told The Post:

“[My fans] said seeing me here has helped them also because now they know what will happen, they might have to end up in a place like this, but it’ll be alright. The purpose is to keep on living.”
Community Impact

Author’s summary: This Bronx senior center is transforming aging into a vibrant social media journey, as elderly residents inspire millions with real-life wisdom and resilience.

more

New York Post New York Post — 2025-11-06

More News