Recently, the vibrant atmosphere of Midtown came alive as disco balls glittered and a woman in her late 70s danced as if it was 1976 all over again.
Meanwhile, on the Coney Island boardwalk, a 91-year-old woman enjoyed a stroll with her husband, reminiscing about romantic evenings from long ago.
These moments, though reminiscent of a different time, are being revived today through the efforts of nostalgic millennials on TikTok, specifically Johnny Gaffney and Vin Nucatola.
The duo created the popular “Like Old Times” series, where they bring seniors back to the dance floors, concerts, and other past activities in New York, offering older residents a delightful second chance at their cherished memories.
With a simple prompt asking, “What is something you used to love to do that you haven’t done in years?” they transform nostalgia into tangible experiences.
Both aged 38, Gaffney and Nucatola bring to life the nostalgic requests of seniors, which has led to millions of views and enthusiastic reactions.
“Young people often say how wonderful New York used to be,” Gaffney shared. “Vin and I aim to show that ‘old New York’ is still alive through the experiences of those who lived here.”
He emphasized that many of these individuals are still around. “To understand what made this city great, connect with them now and listen to their stories.”
A highlight came for Elizabeth Katz, 79, a lifestyle model from the Upper West Side, who was whisked away for a disco night in Times Square.
Studio 54 Revisited
“Not all seniors fit the stereotype of being frail and needing assistance,” Katz remarked.
Once a regular at Studio 54 in her younger days, she hadn’t visited a nightclub in more than 30 years until Gaffney and Nucatola showed up to her apartment, helped her pick out an outfit, and arrived in a taxi, Gaffney dressing as her tuxedoed partner.
At Disco Sally’s in Midtown, they danced with strangers, creating a memorable evening, she recalled.
“Filming ‘Like Old Times’ made me feel seen again,” she explained.
The lively tunes and dance beats made her feel alive, removing the pressure she used to feel about meeting expectations in her youth. “This time at 79, I felt like my true self,” Katz said. “It’s even better now.”
According to Gaffney, the project is more about reconnection than nostalgia.
“What we discovered while making the show is that many older adults are seeking connection with their younger selves and others, rather than merely reliving activities,” he explained. “As we grow older, invitations to socialize become less frequent.”
Nucatola’s production company, Snackish Media, was inspired by his late grandfather, who cherished revisiting pastimes like bowling with his grandkids in his later years, which led him to create this series aiming to help seniors experience those “good old days.” He found a partner in Gaffney, who excels in engaging with seniors both on and off camera.
Rather than turning seniors into a punchline or quick soundbite, Nucatola wanted to deliver something genuine—something that would really resonate with them.
“We want to give back to the senior community in New York, and now, our work is touching millions,” Nucatola stated.
They keep their production approach simple to ensure seniors feel at ease, often employing just a few cameras and an iPhone. Nucatola noted, “Authenticity strikes a chord on social media.”
5.7 Million Views and Counting
Their efforts have really paid off. After starting with zero followers in November, they quickly amassed a following, with seven videos accumulating over 5.7 million views.
Their first video alone garnered over 100,000 views in a single day and has since attracted millions of viewers.
Many seniors recognize Gaffney from his off-camera work. A notable figure in New York’s comedy scene, he launched Senior Centertainment last year, which offers live arts and workshops to seniors, having established a rapport with older New Yorkers over the years.
Nominations for participation often come from family members. Nucatola mentioned in his Instagram bio that he receives hundreds of submissions daily through a form.
This heartwarming content also resonates with a younger audience, with around 40% of viewers falling between the ages of 25 and 34, indicating that the stories appeal far beyond their own generation.
Nucatola noted, “These episodes are timeless; they continue to gain traction even months after being uploaded, resonating with younger viewers.”
Many have expressed a desire to connect more with their grandparents and older neighbors after watching the content.
“We really have a loneliness issue in this country, especially with our older population being isolated,” Gaffney said. “A lot of seniors are eager to find companionship and to be included.”
The positive reactions to “Like Old Times,” along with a flood of encouraging comments, indicate that their message resonates with viewers.
A few unscripted moments have left lasting impressions. Gaffney recalled being moved when he took 78-year-old Elsa Lugo from the Bronx to see her favorite band, the Temptations, where they danced and sang, and she was thrilled when they recognized her from the stage.
“My Girl” in Real Time
“It was incredible to watch our seniors emerge as their true selves during our time together,” he said. “It’s heartwarming.”
Lugo shared her gratitude, attributing her participation in the show to her granddaughter.
For her, attending the concert was more than just an outing; she grew up listening to the Temptations, and “My Girl” is her all-time favorite.
Upon arrival for the concert, she felt a surge of excitement when she noticed a sign for “The Temptations.”
During the concert, the band dedicated “My Girl” to her, leaving her stunned amidst thousands of fans.
“I listened to their songs growing up. Years later, they dedicated my favorite song right in front of me!”
Backstage, the experience grew even more personal as the band warmly welcomed Lugo, showering her with hugs.
The night held extra significance for Lugo, who retired from teaching special education in 2015 due to a back injury.
“I loved my students and was devastated to leave them because of my injury,” she remembered. “Listening to ‘Like Old Times’ made me feel joyful and alive again.”
Gaffney and Nucatola create more than nostalgic outings; they craft heartfelt experiences.
Bill Weeden, 85, and Dolores McDougal Schaefer Weeden, 91, were driven from their home in Woodstock, New York, back to Coney Island for their first date night in what felt like ages.
Date Night Decades Later
“Johnny and Vin treated us to a limousine ride from Woodstock to Coney Island,” Bill told.
Having been married for 31 years, the couple relished the night with hot dogs, a carousel ride, and dancing under the stars.
“Playing carnival games made us laugh and brought back our joy,” he said.
“I believe laughter and rediscovering youthful spirit are keys to a lasting marriage, and ‘Like Old Times’ helped me do that. I can’t believe our video has gone viral!”
For Dolores, that night left an emotional imprint that lingers. “I get teary thinking about dancing with Bill on the Coney Island boardwalk. It was just incredible,” she stated.
Even the weather couldn’t dampen their spirits; when fireworks were canceled due to wind, Gaffney danced, showcasing a video of previous fireworks on his phone to keep the mood lively.
“It was so sweet to see him and Vin go out of their way to ensure we had an unforgettable date,” she added.
