In brief
In an inspiring move against loneliness among seniors, a group of elderly residents from Brussels' retirement homes took to the dance floor in a vibrant nightclub setting.
On a lively weekend night at the Mirano nightclub in Brussels, the atmosphere was electrifying, filled with pulsing electronic beats and neon lights. However, one group was not your typical club-goers; they were retirement-home residents, many of whom were in their 80s and 90s. These grey-haired dancers, dressed ups in suits and sequins, contrasted sharply with the younger crowd in crop tops and shorts.“Look at the atmosphere,” exclaimed 99-year-old Guillaume Vanderweyen, reveling for the first time in 40 years. “Everyone is happy because we’re doing something different. That matters in life.” Vanderweyen, a retired carpenter, danced exuberantly until well after 2 a.m., showcasing moves inspired by artists like Rihanna and Kizz Daniel.The event was orchestrated by Papy Booom, a Belgian nonprofit dedicated to combating loneliness among seniors and enhancing their social opportunities through fun activities. Vanderweyen and 15 other residents from different homes enjoyed the lively night, evoking past memories while creating new ones on the dance floor.
