Z to Silver
We project began with a simple mission:
"Can we use our youthful energy to help prevent dementia in seniors?"
Developed a specialized "Dementia Prevention Dance" and visited a local senior center to volunteer. However, we didn't want to be just instructors who taught a class and left. We wanted to truly understand the people we were helping.
Over the course of 3 weeks, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 9 seniors at the center. We moved beyond small talk to hear their genuine stories and emotions, hoping to find the real needs hidden beneath their daily routines.
During our interviews, we faced an unexpected and heartbreaking truth. One senior shared a sentiment that completely shifted our perspective:
"Talking with young people gives us energy and it's great. But who would want to talk to an old person?" _ P3
We realized the core problem wasn't just physical health; it was emotional isolation. Seniors were eager to connect with the younger generation (Gen Z) but held back due to a fear of rejection and self-doubt. They weren't staying silent because they wanted to, but because they felt they shouldn't bother us.
We redefined our project. The dance we developed was no longer just a physical exercise; it became a tool to open the door for conversation.
We launched the [Z to Silver Dance Challenge] to bridge this gap:
Z to Silver is about breaking the silence and building a community where different generations can confidently talk, laugh, and dance together.
Connection
Approach
Bond
Challenge
I noticed many elders at senior centers avoided phones and apps not because they didn’t care, but because the first step felt scary. So I turned my most popular dance routine into an easy-to-follow dance to help make that first step joyful instead of stressful. The elders enjoyed it a lot and many people also participated!
I also selected a few enthusiastic elders from the centers I visited and created Rhythm of Memory's first Senior Dance Crew. Enjoy our first ever Senior Dance Crew's dance video!
Gen Z Connection
Rhythm of Memory hosted a booth at Kent School Wellness Fair. There, students learned about the social and neurological benefits of dance as well as elderly care. They also had a chance to learn few routines that we bring to senior centers.
"Learning how dance activates memory made me rethink what ‘therapy’ can look like."
"Learning the same routine we bring to senior centers made me feel connected to people I haven’t even met yet.”
Here are some footage from the fair!
I also volunteered at the 압구정노인복지관 to teach elders how to familiarize themselves with Social Media, and how to use the Kiosk.
