Celebrating the Contributions of Older Adults Members to the Gilbrea Centre
On May 15th, Gilbrea hosted the second annual “SHARE Network Thank You Lunch” at East Side Mario’s for all older adults involved with Gilbrea this past academic year. The SHARE Network is wonderful group of older adults who volunteer their time to serve on one of our SHARE groups, including the Research and Knowledge Translation (RKT) Group, Intergenerational Advisory Group, and the Dementia Advisory Group.
Anna Maria, an older adult member who attend has this to say about the lunch:
“It was a lovely lunch, I met new people, and the chatter was electric. Looking forward to the fall”
Pictured older adult SHARE Members (left to right): Nikki, Judith and Anna Maria (co-author)
These feelings of enjoyment were echoed by Janet, another older adult member:
“We feel very valued and look forward to more projects in the future!!!”
Kyla, a student member who attended, shared her views on the SHARE Network:
“I enjoyed hearing about people’s experiences and involvement across the SHARE network. I talked to several people I had never met before and heard all about why and how people got involved in the SHARE network. Multiple individuals expressed wanting to remain socially connected in their community. The groups offered by the SHARE network are a great opportunity to stay socially connected and I am happy to have met new people through the SHARE network. One older adult was happy to share different hiking spots, nature trails and waterfall locations that she has loved exploring throughout Hamilton. As someone who did not grow up in Hamilton, I love talking to people who grew up in Hamilton to hear their favourite places. I am now looking forward to exploring Tiffany Falls and Princess Point/Royal Botanical Gardens this summer, among other nature spots in Hamilton!”
Pictured: Janet (Co-author, on right) and Kyla (Co-author, on left).
Helen an older adult member who attended, also had a few thoughts to share about her experiences with the SHARE network.
“Another wonderful gathering. The food, the conversation and the company made for a lovely afternoon. It was a delight to reconnect with the friends I have made through SHARE and to make new ones around our table. I look forward to seeing them again in September (if not before). I was especially happy to reconnect with someone I hadn’t seen for years. It’s serendipity that we both volunteered for the excellent programs and research studies at McMaster University. A life well lived is full of rich and meaningful connections. Thank you for providing an opportunity to make and grow these connections”
Pictured (left to right), Lori, Len, Equity, Gloria, Jon, Brigitte, Helen (Co-author) and Helaine
Overall, the SHARE Network Thank You Lunch was an amazing chance for the different groups to mingle, talk and learn more about each other and the work they are assisting with at Gilbrea. Gilbrea would like to thank everyone who has been involved over the past academic year. We could not have accomplished what we did without all for your help, time, effort, and dedication. We are looking forward to continuing to work with everyone in the future! Thank You ?
