Siskiyou County’s Senior Ball

The Issue
The number of retired senior citizens will only increase as the baby boomers age, but the number of activities that keep them engaged in our communities does not appear to be keeping up. Seniors need to feel part of the communities they live in. Positive connections to others are important parts of a healthy lifestyle.

A sense of belonging may be the single most powerful positive factor in the lives of children and youth. Youth need to know they are cared about and feel a sense of connection to others. Forming short- and long-term relationships with people of different ages creates a sense of belonging. Socializing across the generations allows seniors to share their great breadth of knowledge with youth and allows both groups a strong sense of belonging. It is a winning situation for both seniors and youth.

What has 4-H Done?
Siskiyou County’s 4-H Club threw a Senior Ball for senior citizens and friends. To fund the event, 4-H members applied for and received a Service Learning RFP grant of $1,000. In preparation for the dance, 4-H Members learned what foods are healthy and easily digestible for seniors. They also participated in dance lessons, so they could learn some steps in order to keep up with the senior citizens on the dance floor. The purpose of the event was to create a fun and safe environment while building new relationships in the community.

The Payoff
The cross-generational event opened up the hearts and minds of seniors and youth to one another. The senior citizens greatly enjoyed the honor of having a ball thrown for them, and 4-H members learned to appreciate the knowledge and wisdom of senior citizens. The event helped everyone recognize the value of diverse community members and the importance of acceptance and appreciation for other community members.

“This event enlightened 4-H members about the gifts and significance that this ‘older generation’ offers,” a 4-H member related.

One delighted participant said, “The elegant decorations and great food made us feel like teenagers again-for while anyway. The old songs that were played brought back many happy memories.”

Author: Claire Connolly
Posted August 2008
For more information, contact the Siskiyou 4-H Office at 530-842-2711 or cesiskiyou@ucdavis.edu.

To submit a 4-H Delivers story, please contact the State 4-H Office at 530-754-8518 or fourhstateofc@ucdavis.edu.