Glow-up after 100: Centenarians at Austin senior living community get ‘glamorous’ makeovers from high schoolers
At Westminster Senior Living in Austin, Texas, a heartwarming intergenerational connection is flourishing. In celebration of National Centenarians Day, high school students from the nonprofit GlamourGals offered makeovers to centenarians, fostering a unique bond between teenagers and the elderly. This initiative not only brought joy to the seniors but also cultivated meaningful relationships, as the students and residents shared stories, laughter, and life lessons.
The event highlights the beauty of intergenerational interactions, where both young and old benefit from the exchange of kindness and wisdom. The young volunteers, such as Naomi Hinrichs and Rishika Jakka, expressed how these monthly visits have deepened their understanding and appreciation for the lives of the seniors, while the elderly residents, like Martha Bombaugh and Dorothy Dearden, found joy in reminiscing and connecting with the vibrant energy of youth. This initiative exemplifies how simple acts of kindness can bridge generational gaps and enrich lives across ages.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The story addresses the challenge of isolation and lack of engagement often experienced by the elderly in senior living communities.
- The actions
- High school students regularly visit the seniors to provide makeovers and companionship through the GlamourGals program.
- Evidence of progress
- Residents like Martha Bombaugh and Dorothy Dearden expressed joy and appreciation for the interactions, while students reported forming meaningful relationships and learning from the seniors.
- What we can learn
- Other communities can replicate this initiative by partnering with local schools and organizations to create regular intergenerational programs that foster connection and learning.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 9
- Engagement
- 8
- Relationships
- 10
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Kindness
The high school students participated in GlamourGals to offer conversation, companionship, and beauty makeovers to the centenarians.
Love
Jakka shares, 'We’ve become friends with some of the residents, and it’s really nice to keep those relationships up.'
Gratitude
Bombaugh shared, 'It was such a joy spending time with the young ladies. They were so sweet and full of energy, and we had a wonderful time talking and getting to know each other.'
Try this today
Inspired by this story, reach out to someone from a different generation—be it a grandparent, neighbor, or community member—and spend time listening to their stories. This simple act can bridge gaps and enrich your understanding of different life experiences.