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Brotherhood Never Retires

Men's groups are a source of laughter, connection, and shared purpose, offering a space where friendships can flourish and a sense of belonging thrives. Howard, a resident at Parkview in Frisco, shares that his monthly men’s group meetings allow them to "savor good food and various beers while sharing laughter and fond memories from our youth." These gatherings are more than just fun, though — they play a vital role in combating the feelings of isolation often experienced by older adults. 

Loneliness is an increasingly recognized issue in older populations, with recent studies revealing that 8% of seniors experience severe loneliness, while a staggering 38% to 44% report moderate loneliness. Men, in particular, face unique challenges — only 21% receive emotional support from friends, compared to 41% of women, according to the American Perspectives Survey. This lack of connection can have profound health effects, contributing to heightened risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing these risks, The Glades at ChampionsGate set out to create a space where male residents could combat loneliness and build meaningful friendships. 


A group of male residents on a boat together.

The men’s group, also known as ROMEO or “Retired Old Men Eating Out,” started out with a very simple idea: lunch. Donnie, the transportation director at The Glades at ChampionsGate, started by taking a small group of men to lunch every month. He figured that a planned activity might not entice a lot of them to join, but just sharing a meal might pique the interest of more male residents. And he was right! Now every single seat in the van is filled each month.  

Meanwhile, the ROMEO club at Parkview in Frisco enjoys exploring new restaurants and playing billiards. Down in Florida, the group at Watersound Fountains bonded over a memorable fishing charter experience.


The success of ROMEO isn’t limited to The Glades at ChampionsGate. Across Watermark communities, similar groups are prospering. At The Fountains at Greenbriar, the men’s group recently raced into fun at a local go-kart track, with three residents trying go-karting for the first time. 

If you're a male resident looking to start a group of your very own, Executive Director Dan Guanio at The Glades at ChampionsGate says,"It doesn’t have to be a big, flashy event.”

Begin by focusing on shared interests, whether it's food, sports, music, or books — anything that already excites you and your peers. Take ownership of the group from the start by deciding on details like the venue for outings or the activities you’ll do together. Making these types of decisions will create investment and encourage everyone to keep attending. And don’t worry about forcing conversation; the best discussions will happen naturally as the group gets more comfortable.