University of Toronto student Mariah Abdul Zaher and Christie Gardens resident Penny Lewis share a moment of levity during an intergenerational course on aging and health, held at a classroom in the retirement home.Thomas Bollmann
Despite a 50-year generation gap, students at the University of Toronto and seniors at retirement home Christie Gardens are discovering they have a lot in common – and much to learn about growing old.
Now in its second year, the U of T course on aging and health brings 25 seniors and 25 students together in a dedicated classroom at the not-for-profit home for a semester of interactive seminar-style discussions, collaborative projects and mentorship.
Christie Gardens CEO Heather Janes says the course challenges societal perceptions of aging, celebrates the continued contributions of elders and promotes a more vibrant and dignified view of life in retirement.
By bridging generational gaps in the classroom, the program aims to reshape the narrative around aging and foster engagement, guiding the development of policies that will benefit both current and future generations, she explains.
The intergenerational classroom is a way to challenge an increasingly age-segregated society, where Canadians of different ages seldom interact and exchange insights, says Dr. Raza Mirza, director of national partnerships and knowledge mobilization with HelpAge Canada and assistant professor at University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s Institute for Life Course and Aging.
“There are many misconceptions about aging that can only be dispelled through direct interaction and shared experiences,” says Dr. Mirza. “This environment fosters dialogue and understanding, giving students a real-life glimpse into the process of aging while providing elderly residents an opportunity to share their wisdom and stay mentally engaged.”
Learning at every age
Older learners in the program access all the materials, do assignments, participate in discussions and even take the exams if they want to.
Seniors are there to learn about aging as well, adds Dr. Mirza, “because nobody ever teaches you how to become an older person.”
Last semester’s inaugural course already appears to have inspired more students this year than in previous years to continue studies in aging and pursue careers in geriatrics, he says. Several of last year’s students, like Alexis Hart, have volunteered to work at Christie Gardens.
The experience was transformational, says Hart, who has decided to pursue a career in elder care.
Shirley Young is one of 25 seniors taking the University of Toronto course, along with 25 students. Older learners in the program access all the materials, do assignments, participate in discussions and even do the exams if they want to.Thomas Bollmann
Using Age Cards, lectures pose questions on topics such as social isolation, health policy, medication and end of life.
“We [learned] we had a lot more in common in our lives than we realized,” says Hart. “We all have faced similar challenges and have had to develop tools to deal with issues growing up.”
Even students in their 20s could think of times when they were considered either too young or too old to do something, she says.
Many residents at Christie Gardens are retired professionals, artists and organizers who are still active in the community. As students, they’re enthusiastic about sharing their experiences during the course.
Keeping pace with aging population
“On my first day, I bonded immediately with a Christie resident, discussing favourite movies,” recalls Hart. “You realize they may be older on paper, but we’re still living in the same world and there is so much to connect over.”
The course also helps dispel misconceptions about retirement, says resident Florene Shuber, 90. “The class confirms that the older generation is OK. But you wouldn’t know it by hearing about us in the media. You’d think we can’t move and don’t have any interests. But we’re very active and eager to learn.
“An insight I got is that the kids are all right,” she adds. “They think clearly, and their reasoning is wonderful, and I have faith they have the smarts to lead the country in the future. That’s very comforting.”
Meanwhile, plans are in the works for the Christie Gardens Academy, which oversees any education or training at Christie Gardens, including the U of T partnership, to gain Private Career College status, allowing it to establish a school that will offer advanced training for personal support workers (PSWs) to address the growing caregiver shortage, Janes says.
Nobody ever teaches you how to become an older person.
— Dr. Raza Mirza, assistant professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Approximately six million Canadians are over 65, according to Statistics Canada and the estimated number of seniors requiring health-care services is expected to double over the next 20 years, according to the Canadian Institute for Health.
In Ontario alone there is a shortage of 13,200 nurses and 37,700 PSWs, according to a 2023 brief prepared for Stan Cho, then-Minister of Long-Term Care, that was obtained by the Canadian Press through a freedom-of-information request.
Currently, there are few options for elder-care workers to increase their knowledge for career advancement, and all too often they leave the sector for better opportunity, Janes says.
“We want to attract more highly trained personal support workers into the system and provide options for additional training,” she says.
The organization plans to partner with other homes in Toronto to provide opportunities for placement and employment for PSW grads coming out of the Christie Academy. “We need to arm the next generation of care givers with a deeper understanding of gerontology and, like the U of T partnership, we will create intergenerational, experiential learning in our PSW program,” says Janes.
“I’m hoping the Christie Academy takes off and will influence other care facilities to emulate it,” she adds. “It’s a replicable model and I believe it can grow beyond our walls, benefiting the entire elder-care sector.”
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Christie Gardens. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.