Belgian seniors hit the dance floor at techno club

DW went along as carers in Belgium took techno fan grandmas and grandpas out dancing to clubs and music festivals.

Transcript

00:00Dance music, drinks and DJs are fixtures of Belgian summers.

00:05But not every festival can boast a guest list like this one.

00:09In this Brussels care home, party goers like 88-year-old Ria Entree are still busy primping and prepping.

00:17I used to go out, I met my husband at a ball.

00:23But in those days when you went to balls, you had to wear a long dress.

00:28These residents are joining a special trip with Papi Boom,

00:34a local organisation dedicated to helping older people live fuller lives.

00:39And as soon as they arrive in the Belgian town of Flobek, the clubbers make a beeline for the dance floor.

00:45It's great. I feel 20 years younger.

00:50The new guests quickly make an impression on the rest of the crowd.

00:58I bet when I'm their age, I'll be here too.

01:02Though the atmosphere isn't everyone's cup of tea.

01:06It's not my kind of music, there's too much boom boom, but it's nice to experience it from time to time.

01:13Keeping people happy isn't the organisers' only concern.

01:17Before each outing, doctors decide whether residents who want to go are physically well enough.

01:24These people are still alive. They still want to live and experience lots of things.

01:28But they're still older people, even if we have this vision.

01:31So we have to be careful and not take too many risks.

01:34We want them to return to the care home in good health and with beautiful images in their mind.

01:39So far, Papi Boom has taken Belgian care home residents out to nightclubs and concerts,

01:45and a senior speed dating event is also in the works.

01:49It's all about making day-to-day life more fun and fighting loneliness.

01:53Like most European countries, Belgium has an ageing population.

01:57So that challenge of trying to make sure people can keep having fun as they grow older will be even more important in future.

02:04This rare space for connecting between generations is also an opportunity for those with more experience to share advice.

02:12You have to laugh in this life and stay in good spirits.

02:17That's how you grow so old.

02:21For now, these festival goers are heading back home with new memories as the sun sets on this Belgian summer.