As estate planning attorneys in Corona, it warms our hearts to see that the trend of arranging senior citizen proms is rapidly growing, and it would appear that the trend is here to stay. This senior living trend had been catching on for some time (already by 2013, the city of New Milford in New Jersey had arranged its 6th Annual Senior Citizen Prom while the year also saw the hosting of the 8th Annual Senior Citizen Prom in Beachwood, Ohio.) and has only gained in popularity and acceptance in more recent times.
Apart from the hugely encouraging responses that these events have received throughout America, what is perhaps most wonderful about the whole affair is that the events have also garnered enthusiastic and extraordinary support from members of the younger generations—those who have just already attended or are about to attend their own proms. Apart from community centers and assisted living communities, high schools as well as local youth groups all across America have been the most frequent organizers or supporting organizers of these events.
Take the case of New Dorp High School at Staten Island, for example. In February of last year, the school played the destination for the first-ever senior citizen prom in Staten Island. Even more encouraging is the example of West Orange High School in New Jersey whose students have actively participated in their local senior citizen prom events every year back from 2007. This is an overwhelmingly positive trend since it generates the occasion to bridge intergenerational gaps at the same time as it gives our teenagers a chance to mix with the elder members from the community, serve and understand them better as also to learn from their experience. On the other hand, the elders can make good of these occasions by getting to know the youngsters from up close. So, apart from all the fun involved, these prom parties also act as great platforms to build mutual understanding between different generations and thus facilitate a healthier community life overall .
And thus far these ‘senior’ senior proms have been a raging success. Most parties will follow the decorum and there will be a prom king and a prom queen at the end of the event and host of prizes to be won by the participators. It is an evening to dress up and dance and have fun and socialize, of course. Many senior citizens who are either living alone or are living in assisted communities often battle the issues of depression, loneliness or isolation. Yet, simple and fun occasions like these may often go a long way in helping them overcome the negative emotions.
Which is why perhaps the trend has caught on so fast. Apart from prom parties, many assisted living facilities as well as community centers have also arranged special ‘field trips’ and other similar events for the seniors of the community. These events are also a way to acknowledge the fact that our elders have a lot to contribute towards society and are an integral part of any community life in general. And the younger members of the society can only gain from their vast store of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.
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