On National Centenarians Day, residents aged 100 to 104 at an Austin senior living community were treated to glamorous makeovers by high school students, sparking joyous intergenerational friendships and shared stories.
- Centenarians at Westminster enjoyed fresh nail and makeup treatments by teens.
- High schoolers and seniors formed lasting friendships through regular visits.
- The event honored residents' long lives and promoted intergenerational learning.
What happened
To celebrate National Centenarians Day on September 22nd, Westminster Senior Living in Austin, Texas, hosted a special event honoring its seven centenarian residents with ages ranging from 100 to 104 years. The celebration featured glamorous makeovers provided by three local high school students involved with the nonprofit GlamourGals, bringing fresh nail polish and makeup to brighten the seniors' day.
The initiative paired students from LASA High School’s chapter of GlamourGals with the seniors for monthly visits, combining beauty treatments with conversation and companionship. This unique collaboration resulted in joyful moments as both generations shared stories and built meaningful connections.
Why it feels good
The event was deeply fulfilling for everyone involved, fostering kindness and mutual learning between generations. The centenarians cherished the chance to reconnect with youth and reminisce about their own pasts, while the students valued hearing life stories from people with vast experience and wisdom.
High school volunteers expressed that the monthly gatherings helped them improve their communication skills and develop genuine friendships with the seniors. Meanwhile, the seniors appreciated the enthusiasm and energy the teens brought, finding joy in the lively interactions beyond just the makeovers.
What to enjoy or watch next
This heartwarming event continues as part of a broader engagement through GlamourGals, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with older adults for shared activities that range from beauty treatments to games and reading. The program encourages ongoing visits that help sustain these rewarding intergenerational relationships.
For those inspired by this story, exploring other community initiatives that unite different age groups can be equally uplifting. Watching for local efforts that promote companionship and celebrate elders can offer more opportunities to appreciate and support the wisdom and joy that older generations contribute.