Inspiring Story: Babs Daitch, Documentary Star at 80

Known as “the lesbian Forrest Gump,” Babs Daitch (80) has done it all, including starring in her own documentary short. THANKS, BABS! Is a funny and touching portrait of a woman who has marched to the beat of her own drum for decades and collected a vast array of experiences and friends because of it. 

Senior Planet will be hosting a screening of the doc (THANKS, BABS!) on Friday October 3, 2025 at 2PM EDT. Click here for more details. In preparation we spoke with Babs about the film, her life advice (for living both on and off a boat), and how’s she’s embracing AI to help promote the film and herself as a budding influencer. 

What do you hope people take from the documentary? 

I hope it makes people, especially older folks, revisit who they are at whatever age they’re at. There’s got to be more to life than just financial security. Do you want to stick with your profession forever, or do you want to fill your life with as many experiences and people as possible? That’s the question.

What has the reception been like? 

It’s been wonderful. And from all kinds of audiences! Young, old, and everything in between. People really connected with me.

One thing that stood out was my look. So now, I’m developing my brand: me – The Babs. I always wear a fascinator or a bow in my hair. I have a style that makes heads turn when I walk in the room. That kind of confidence is something we all need to work on as we age. We can’t let the world take that gusto out of us.

How can people age like Babs?   

I can’t say to people, “Well you have to have my personality to do it.” No, you have to look within yourself, at the pros and cons of your life. What do you want to keep? What do you want to get rid of? Jump out of your comfort zone and see what happens. 

Life’s like a hand of cards – are you willing to bet big? And if it’s not the right hand, do you fold? I’ve folded a lot, and I keep trying new things. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t sold my house after 20 years in the desert and driven a 16-foot truck to California!

I just wish I could clone myself because there’s so much I want to do and there’s only one of me. 

What else do you want to do? 

Everything! I want a sequel to the documentary. I want to get a commercial agent and act in ads. I need to monetize this – I’m an entrepreneur! I’m not planning to slow down and “be an old lady.” I’m not an old lady. I’m just curious to see what adventure’s around the next corner.

What’s your relationship to technology? 

I’m a big believer in using technology. But it’s not easy for me! I’m using AI now to help me write the press releases I need for promotion. And I’m on social media. I still don’t know how to do TikTok but I’m trying it. I’m very much open to change and I think it’s important for us to stay up to date with those things until our fingers can’t do it anymore.
 

What advice would you have for someone who wants to live on a boat? 

It’s a hard life. You have to be a minimalist. Financially, it’s smart – but everything else is tough. And cold.

What does Aging with Attitude mean to you? 

It’s how you feel when you look in the mirror. I think about posture – do I look like someone who knows who they are?

It’s also about staying open to the idea that a new adventure could be waiting around the next corner. And knowing when to let go of what no longer serves you.

Also – this might sound funny – but I think my attitude’s been so good because I’ve always had a dog. I’ve had seven Yorkshire Terriers in my life, and I plan to have another one!

Photo Credit: Frankly Speaking Films

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.