Residents of Coastal Manor Nursing Home dusted off their high-heeled shoes and dug up their polyester wide-collared shirts last week in Ludowici to dance to hits from the ’70s.

Administrator Elise Stafford said the idea to travel back in time to the disco era came about through an activity program, which added area high school students to the center’s staff this summer.

“Having these kids has added so much life to the nursing home,” Stafford said. “They have taken our activity program to a new level.”

Residents listened to songs by the Bee Gees, the Commodores and Donna Summer and wore tie-dye shirts that the students made for them. The residents also enjoyed strobe lights and other decorations from the past.

Stafford said the students in the program want to work in the health-care industry someday, adding that candidates must have good grades, character and high morale and esteem in order to be selected for the program.

“In some manner or form, they all want to go into the health-care field,” she said. “By them working here, it teaches them a great deal of responsibility, and it also lets them get a peek at this field to see if this is where they want to make their career.”

Stafford said the center cares for 100 residents and provides 24-hour nursing services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and a specialty-care unit for treating specific needs, like those with Alzheimer’s.

The center schedules themed activities for the holidays and monthly parties for birthdays.

“We’re one big family up here, and activities like this are enjoyed by all of us,” Stafford said. “But the residents’ faces just light up when these kids work with them.”