A Belgian initiative with the motto “happiness overcomes old age” has found a novel way to counter feelings of loneliness among nursing home residents: unleashing them on to the dancefloor of Brussels’ largest nightclub.
As part of a series of unconventional activities designed to keep retired people active, a nonprofit association, Papy Booom, recently arranged for 11 pensioners to visit Lift Brussels, a 1,360 sq metre (14,500 sq ft) venue specialising in R&B, reggaeton and Latin dance.
“I was amazed and I found this evening extraordinary,” Jeanine Donnen, 79, told Reuters. She said she had not gone dancing at a club for at least 30 years. She and the rest of the group – nine women and two men, the oldest of whom was 98 – stayed at the club until after 3.30am.
The French-Malian singer-songwriter Aya Nakamura’s song Pookie turned out to be a particular favourite among the partying pensioners, the Guardian understands.
In preparation for their big night out, the women had had their hair done, were taken to a creperie for a coffee and then driven by limousine to the venue, which prides itself on “bringing the atmosphere of Ibiza and Miami to Belgium”.
“These sorts of activities allow us to live again. We have the feeling of existing again,” Simone Nestor, 81, told Reuters.
Founded by Youssef Kaddar in 2016, Papy Booom works with nursing homes in Brussels to help older people become more active again in society.
“At many care homes, activities and outings are often the same,” said Kaddar, who has been working in retirement homes for 13 years. “I wanted to offer a new vision of activities.
“Before they became seniors, these people were young people who wanted to have fun. So I decided to keep the momentum going by doing activities with seniors as if they were young people.”
His initiative organises one event a month, such as an inter-home Olympics with wheelchair races and archery. Other outings organised by Papy Booom – whose name plays on a French phrase referring to the number of baby boomers now in retirement – have included hot-air balloon rides, flashmobs, go-karting, speed-dating and outings to Jacuzzis.
Clubbing, in particular, was proving a hit, said Kaddar. The group’s trip to Lift was the initiative’s fourth to a nightclub. No drugs or alcohol were required to guarantee a high on the night, he said. “To achieve happiness, you simply have to give them time and offer activities that interest them.”
Reuters contributed to this report
