Prom season with a twist: Seniors celebrating in style
Prom season was in full swing, but this time, the lively music, fancy clothes and fabulous dance moves weren’t for teenagers. Instead, it was the residents of two area senior living communities who were dressed to the nines — laughing, dancing, and soaking up the joy.
At Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove and GreenFields of Geneva senior living community in Geneva, the springtime spirit came alive with vibrant prom and spring fling celebrations tailor-made for residents. These unforgettable events were part of The Lived Experience — an innovative initiative by Lifespace Communities, which owns and operates 16 senior living communities across the country, including Oak Trace and GreenFields.
Designed to reimagine senior living programming, The Lived Experience brings fresh, meaningful, and often unexpected experiences to residents.
For many, the dance events were a nostalgic nod to their younger days. For others, it was a chance to enjoy a coming-of-age celebration they’d never experienced before. Either way, it was magical.
Dancing through the decades
At Oak Trace, the Spring Fling wasn’t just a single event — it was several individual dance parties for independent living and for each level of care including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Residents had the option to glam up with professional hair and makeup services at the on-site spa, then head to their celebration with live music, photo ops, and refreshments waiting.
Over at GreenFields, residents from all levels of care came together for one big night of dancing and delight at their community-wide prom.
A multigenerational moment
Oak Trace’s event was made extra special by the presence of students from St. Laurence High School in Burbank, who joined residents on the dance floor to tunes performed by Jeff Rutter and the Scramble Band.
Team members from Oak Trace also suited up and joined in the fun.
“The presence of team members and high school students made it special; they brought so much energy to the event,” said Jessica Lazzara Cashman, Oak Trace’s lifestyle director. “The residents enjoyed them being there.”
At GreenFields, the prom was hosted for the second year by the National Honor Society of Rosary High School in Aurora, with support from Marmion Academy. Students took the lead in planning, decorating, and dancing alongside residents.
The Marmion Rosary Jazz Band set the tone for the evening with classic favorites like “My Cherie Amour,“ ”In the Mood,“ and ”Pink Panther.“
“The residents really enjoy visiting with the teens, and the musical performance was special,” said Kaitlyn Melendy, Lifestyle Director of GreenFields.
Setting the scene
Each community gave its event a distinct theme. At Oak Trace, elegance was the name of the game. “We really wanted the Spring Fling to be special,” Jessica said. “We had nice linens, beautiful centerpieces, and a floral backdrop. Everything was very elegant. It was important to us to give the residents a great experience.”
GreenFields event was planned and decorated by the students of Rosery High School, who decided to go with a more playful theme — western!
“The residents had a great time,” Kaitlyn reported. Some even showed up in cowboy hats and boots, fully embracing the fun.
More than just a dance
“The Spring Fling reflected the spirit of The Lived Experience — delivering programs that go beyond what people traditionally expect from senior living communities,” said Dan Harrington, executive director at Oak Trace.
And that’s precisely what these spring celebrations did: they brought joy, connection, and a whole lot of dancing to residents who were more than ready to party.
About Oak Trace Senior Living and GreenFields of Geneva Senior Living
Oak Trace Senior Living in Downers Grove, Illinois and GreenFields of Geneva in Geneva, Illinois are Life Plan communities owned and operated by Lifespace Communities. For additional information, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com and www.GreenFieldsGeneva.org.