In a heartwarming display of intergenerational connection, the Jackson Creek Senior Living Center in Monument, Colorado, has been hosting an annual Halloween celebration for its residents for over a decade. This event not only brings joy and excitement to the older adults but also creates lasting memories and a sense of community.

Bridging the Generational Gap with Trick-or-Treating and Costumes

Trick-or-Treating Brings Smiles to Residents

The Halloween morning at Jackson Creek Senior Living Center is filled with excitement and laughter as a group of local students arrive, dressed in an array of creative costumes. From football players to princesses, the children parade through the lobby, which is decked out in spooky season decor, much to the delight of the residents. "Oh, they're such little tots!" one woman exclaims, her face beaming with joy.The residents eagerly await the children, fanning out in different rooms with their treats. As the kids approach each resident, saying the magic words, the seniors are overjoyed to hand out candy and engage with the young visitors. "They don't [always] have a lot of family," says Sarah Smith, the move-in coordinator at Jackson Creek. "So when we have the kids come out, it means a lot to them to just say 'hi,' pass out a piece of candy, and this is something that they can look back on in the future and go, 'I had a great day!'"

Costumes and Camaraderie Bring Out the Child in Seniors

The staff at Jackson Creek also get into the Halloween spirit, donning elaborate costumes that range from the Tin Man to the Great and Powerful Oz. "The staff here is great. They bring in the exuberance of young people [too]," says resident Carolyn McClaskey, who is dressed as a witch herself. "They get in the spirit of it."The residents, many of whom are "kids at heart," according to concierge Eddie Simpson, enthusiastically participate in the festivities. Theresa McClaskety, another resident, expresses her delight, saying, "It's just exhilarating for us to see young children come in and show their exuberance in regards to Halloween."

Creating Lasting Memories and Connections

The Halloween celebration at Jackson Creek Senior Living Center is not just a one-day event; it's a cherished tradition that the residents look forward to every year. "I'd want to say yes," says Sarah Smith when asked if this is a highlight for the residents. "It means the world to them to just come down and sit and pass put candy and see their costumes every year and just how creative the kids get! So I'd say this is definitely a highlight."For the residents, the event is a chance to relive their own childhood memories and connect with the younger generation. "We don't have a lot of children here," says resident Bak. "So it brings back a lot of memories from when we used to do trick-or-treating at our homes and give out candy to the children."The joy and laughter that fill the halls of Jackson Creek on Halloween are a testament to the power of intergenerational connections. By bringing together seniors and children, the event creates a sense of community and belonging that transcends age. As Lee Larrew, the senior living center's sales associate, aptly puts it, "What we're doing today is creating connection amongst the generations and having lots of fun and creating a good time."