Sawt Falasteen - 'Fantastic': nursing home pub lifts spirits in France

As a bartender poured beer and champagne, residents of the Roseliere nursing home and dozens of their guests mingled in the spacious lounge. Lively conversation, music and laughter filled the room just before lunchtime.

Several elderly women in wheelchairs sat at a table sipping glasses of kir, a French aperitif that combines white wine with blackcurrant liqueur.

After obtaining a liquor license, the retirement home has opened a bar to the public, and seniors -- many of them in their 90s -- say they love the idea.

"It makes us see things in a more positive light!" Colette Knoery, 96, told AFP.

"People see each other and drink together. That's important."

Robert Kohler, director of the nursing home, said the initiative aimed to foster intergenerational exchanges and provide a sense of community for the residents.

The 69-year-old, who is also mayor of the neighbouring village of Urschenheim, obtained a liquor license several months ago when a restaurant in his town closed down, which authorises him to sell strong alcoholic beverages.

- 'Extra touch of soul' -

The establishment is home to 127 residents, and a growing number of them are losing their independence and can no longer go to restaurants.

Kohler hopes to stage such events every two weeks. Prices are modest, with most drinks including sparkling wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages costing two euros ($2.30).

"The main objective is to bring in as many people as possible, from outside to inside, so that life can simply continue for our residents," said Kohler.

"Contacts are being made, and that's the kind of life we're looking for, that extra touch of soul that we want to bring to our residents."

Most of the visitors at the recent gathering were family members.

"Mom is in a wheelchair, so we can't take her out for a drink anymore," said Veronique Gerhard, 57.

"So I think it's great that we can come here to her place to do that."

Nicolas Bacher, 37, whose grandmother lives in the nursing home, came with his relatives and friends to spend some time with the elderly, who are often "alone here".

"This is our village, and in a way, it's our history too. Maybe one day we'll be the ones coming here," he said.

Most seniors enjoy the fun, even if sometimes it is hard to hear each other because of the noise, they say.

Knoery said she felt that the initiative "does bring in people from outside".

"They then see what life in a care home is like," said the woman whose husband passed away.

Retirement homes are often seen as places of isolation, and Kohler said the bar could help change that perception.

"It's up to us to transform the image of our establishments," he said.

The idea might be catching on. In the nearby town of Barr, a similar project is in the works, said Kohler.

Officials are hoping that the initiative can help create a "more inclusive concept of ageing" in France, whose population is rapidly getting older.

Village resident Annick Lacher praised the opportunity for people of all ages to interact.

"We have a melting pot of contacts," she said. "I think it's really fantastic."

Q.Jaber--SF-PST