St. Camillus

This is a big complex of rehab, assisted living, nursing home and I don’t know what else. What I do know is that the elder residents seem to be well cared for in a new, clean, spacious setting with lots of entertainment, activities, and quality socializing. The social director is wonderful. I play in a band that entertains at nursing homes and sociologically it’s interesting to me that I’m seeing a shift in demographics as the Greatest Generation yields assisted living space to the leading edge of the Baby Boom. Hence, our repertoire is shifting from Big Band Swing, polka and marches to some early rock ‘n roll, and mid 20^th century musicals. I had mentioned this to our director and she was conversationally wondering about after we’re long gone, when today’s young adults are in their 80s, about some future musicians playing «Jay-​Z and Fifty Cents» at nursing homes. In the present, a White octogenarian, just a touch of hearing loss said very loudly, «Does she mean Fitty-​Cent?» The band couldn’t stop laughing for a good five minutes. Here’s the thing about aging generations, it’s not all symmetrical. Decades ago, my tight three-​piece suits and bell bottom jeans didn’t fit anymore. But for the Millennials with their saggy pants… when they get middle aged and overweight, those droopy jeans will finally fit.

Twilight Zone