Older Open Campus Day: Where Generations Meet and Inspire

On September 20th over 70 older adults and 60 students came to McMaster for the second annual Older Adults Open Campus Day (OAOCD) to explore the wonderful opportunities McMaster has to offer. The day was filled with intergenerational discussions, connections and fun. Many student volunteers had put a lot of effort in the day and really enjoyed the outcome and the experiences:

‘’Helping to organize the OAOCD event was an overwhelmingly positive experience. Everyone was supportive of one another and teamwork helped make this event possible. I love intergenerational events and truly enjoyed my time talking with the older adults and students throughout the day. I look forward being part of future intergenerational activities at McMaster!’’
– Master Student Kyla Kovalik

This day started in the newest building on the McMaster campus: The Hub. Everyone gathered here to start off the day and to find their group of the day. My group was very enthusiastic to do the planned activities. The first activity was planned for the Maps department in the Mills library. At the Maps department we learned a lot about the history of Hamilton. Older adults frequently remember interesting things about Hamilton which was new information for some of the students. It created an opportunity to learn and connect with each other. We had many conversations about Hamilton but also about the past from some older adults. It was a nice way to start the day and to get to know each other.

Our next stop was the McMaster Planetarium, an activity that made everyone in the group very enthusiastic. We learned about the solar system, constellations, planets and the mysteries of the endlessness of space. The planetarium brought science to life in a way that resonated with participants of all ages. For some, the solar system was already known to them due to previous studies and interests; for others, it was an entirely new experience that ignited curiosity and wonder. The planetarium experience not only taught us about astronomy but also inspired conversations about how perspectives on science and exploration have evolved over the years. It was a reminder of how you can still learn new things, no matter your age. One quote from one of our volunteers really showed how this combination of learning and engaging was a really positive experience:

‘’After spending weeks with the Student Volunteer Committee brainstorming ways to recruit student volunteers, it felt so rewarding seeing the Open Campus Day be such a success! The activities themselves were engaging and informative, and it’s always a pleasure talking with older adults from around the community. Everyone was so welcoming and personable–it was great watching both the student and adults light up while connecting with each other. Overall, it was such a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to participating again next year!!! ‘’
– Master Student David Marcuzzi (photographed below in the maroon t-shirt)

After the second activity we enjoyed a delicious lunch together. After the lunch there was a guest speaker, Professor Anthony Levinson, about dementia and how older adults can maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of getting dementia. I personally felt this was interesting because it creates a free space to talk about a, sometimes, serious topic. Afterwards a older adults told us they really enjoyed the seminar, the planetarium and the Greenhouse as an activity. Overall, it was a great day to learn, to engage and to connect with each other through different generations.

“The Open Day was a great success! It was lovely to see everyone mingle and share a variety of stories with one another. I had the opportunity to join a group of older adults from Shalom Village, and each tour site was a chance to hear their inspiring history with the university and the city of Hamilton. After the tour, we also got to listen to an informative seminar about dementia and the complex relationship of factors that influence how we could experience it. Overall, I believe it is opportunities like these that help bridge the gap between generations; kudos to Gilbrea and MIRA for organizing such a wonderful event!”
– 3rd year Health Aging and Society Student Kaitlin Junio