In brief
A Belgian nonprofit is working to combat loneliness among seniors by organizing enjoyable events.
On a lively weekend night, the Mirano nightclub in central Brussels became a vibrant scene as a group of retirement-home residents, predominantly in their 80s and 90s, hit the dance floor to enjoy the energy of electronic music. Dressed to impress, with some men in suits and women adorned in sequins, they stood out among typical club-goers, bringing an unexpected twist to the venue.Guided by the nonprofit Papy Booom, these seniors were provided an opportunity to escape the silence of their daily lives and dance the night away. "Look at the atmosphere," said 99-year-old Guillaume Vanderweyen, embracing the excitement of his first club visit in four decades. Despite noting his decreased flexibility, he showed off his moves to contemporary hits, demonstrating that age does not diminish the joy of dancing.With daily exercise routines keeping them sprightly, Vanderweyen and 15 other residents from local retirement homes took part in this initiative designed to combat loneliness and foster connections through fun experiences. By engaging in communal activities like this one, seniors are rediscovering the thrill of life and the importance of joy at any age. This outing is part of ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being of the elderly, affirming that nightlife is for everyone, regardless of age.
