In a candid interview with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Brian DeVore—producer of the brand-new reality series Senior Spaces—explained why he created the show and what viewers can expect.
DeVore has been a licensed Real Estate agent for 23 years and earned his Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation nine years ago. “I tell people that 23 years ago I got my license and nine years ago I figured out why,” he said. “It’s because I Love working with seniors.” He sees the housing transitions seniors face as among the most physically and emotionally challenging of their lives and wants to honor both their stories and their decisions.
The idea for Senior Spaces grew from a half-hour local show DeVore made eight years ago. The concept never left him, even through the COVID slowdown. His goal is simple but powerful: educate families before a crisis forces a move. Many seniors say they want to “age in place,” yet few know what that actually requires beyond grab bars and ramps. Others assume senior living means “convalescent homes and saltine crackers,” unaware of today’s vibrant communities.
Each episode follows real people as they explore three distinct options: aging in place, Downsizing to a smaller home, or moving into senior living. Viewers watch actual decision-making, not just house tours. Between stories, the show inserts quick 30-second educational videos explaining roles such as placement professionals, care managers, and fiduciaries.
DeVore teamed with an Emmy-winning reality producer who immediately understood the vision. The pilot episode has already earned strongly positive feedback. “I didn’t expect the feedback to be so positive,” DeVore admitted. Early viewers have reached out from Oklahoma City and Palm Springs seeking help with downsizing or finding communities near Family—proof the show is already connecting people with resources.
The pilot and trailer are free on YouTube at the SeniorSpaces TV channel. Full information, sponsor details, and resource links live at seniorspacestv.com. DeVore plans multiple seasons and hopes to film in locations beyond his San Diego home base to show how options differ across the country.
Gurney and DeVore both emphasized one key message: share the show. Whether for yourself, your parents, or a friend navigating senior living decisions, Senior Spaces makes the conversation easier and the choices clearer. “The more we talk about it,” DeVore said, “the better chance there is of getting people what they need.”
Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions, DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and helping find solutions to their challenges.
In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back, and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.
In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group important resources for senior-serving professionals.
Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.
Steve Gurney received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.
