Dance against loneliness: senior disco planned in Wilhelmshaven!

Dance against loneliness: senior disco planned in Wilhelmshaven!

There will soon be a very special event in Wilhelmshaven that aims to combat loneliness among older people. Heidi Bosse is passionate about creating a seniors' disco. She was inspired by an NDR report about a similar celebration in Oldenburg, which was very well received. The dance event is aimed at people over 60 and is intended to offer them a place where they can not only dance, but also make new social contacts. The focus is not only on the music, but also on the social gathering.

The senior disco will take place once a month on Sunday afternoons. When it comes to music, Bosse already has the hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s in mind to awaken the memories of the older generation. The plan is to create a cozy atmosphere, perhaps even with a pub-like feel, in which the participants can feel comfortable. “It should be a real disco and not just a senior dance,” emphasizes Bosse. To make this possible, we are looking for a barrier-free venue with a large dance floor that also offers space for walkers. NWZonline reports that finding a DJ is a challenge, and Bosse is hoping for volunteer help.

Loneliness in old age – a serious problem

Loneliness is a common phenomenon among older people and has serious consequences for their quality of life and health. AOK points out that lonely seniors move less, exercise less and have a higher risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, loneliness can even lead to mental health problems, including depression and an increased risk of suicide. The feeling of isolation not only increases stress levels, but can also increase the risk of mortality by up to a third.

A study by the German Aging Survey shows that 8.3% of people over 50 feel lonely. Interestingly, people in nursing homes are particularly at greater risk, while older people in private households are hardly more affected. These figures illustrate the urgent need for social events such as the planned seniors' disco in order to promote interpersonal contacts and counteract loneliness. RKI highlights that social isolation also affects health and can even lead to higher mortality rates.

Together against loneliness

In order to further advance the project, Bosse is calling for support in finding a suitable venue and further ideas for the seniors' disco. If you would like to help, you can contact us by email at heidi.bosse@ewetel.net. A good mix of music, exercise and socializing is planned to bring real joy to the seniors in Wilhelmshaven. The potential of this disco is already evident in the great response that the first event in Oldenburg had with 900 registrations and only 80 possible participants.

Such an initiative not only offers older people a new quality of life, but also sends an important signal against loneliness. It is time to work together to ensure that social life in Wilhelmshaven flourishes and that many new friendships can be formed. Let's be surprised how Heidi Bosse's idea takes shape!