While the concept of bromance (the platonic friendship between men) is trending around the country, it’s been a staple at GreenFields since the retirement community first opened its doors six years ago. Male retirees with more free time for bonding than they had in their younger years, treasure their fun and slightly irreverent time together through various clubs reserved specifically for residents who are of the more masculine of the sexes.
The men first started getting together for monthly breakfasts. “Eventually, we decided to put a format to the morning gathering. We invite a member of the GreenFields staff each month to have breakfast with us and tell us about their lives both inside and outside of GreenFields,” said Bob McPeek, one of the de facto leaders of the men’s groups. “It’s turned out to be fascinating.”
After a while, the guys added a men’s lunch group that hits area pubs monthly for a few beers, lunch and lots of laughs. “We haven’t by any means exhausted the pubs around here, but we tend to return to our favorites,” said Bob, of the group which tends to draw 15-20 attendees.
Recently, the gentlemen decided to add an educational component to their luncheon outing, by incorporating a visit to an area destination of some cultural and/or historical significance. They have since, visited Fabyan Villa, the Geneva Museum, the Volo Auto Museum, Naper Settlement and more. “Honestly though, the basic attraction is getting together with the guys and having lunch and a beer,” said Bob.
GreenFields also has an active veteran’s group which is currently comprised exclusively of men, and a golf group that is predominantly men. The coach and team members of Aurora University’s football team have lunch monthly with male residents of Briarwood Healthcare at GreenFields.
“Sometimes the guys just like to get together and shoot the breeze,” said Bob. “We do a lot of laughing and tell a lot of jokes. It’s probably better that ‘mom’ stays at home.”
