Educational programming Intergenerational programming

In October 2022, one of MIRA’s long-term aspirations was achieved when McMaster announced that the new Lincoln Alexander Hall, an undergraduate residence on Main Street West in Hamilton, would include a space designed to encourage students and older adults from the community to socialize and learn together. This intergenerational hub will be hosted by MIRA. The design of this space has been informed by Brenda Vrkljan’s award-winning research on designing intergenerational spaces as well as co-design consultations with both older adults and students to ensure the space meets the needs and interests of both groups.

This space will serve as a natural home for MIRA’s ongoing intergenerational programming. After a pilot year in 2019, MIRA moved its intergenerational activities online in 2020 and operated them virtually through 2022. Supported by practicum students from the department of health, aging and society, this virtual programming engaged 25 older adults and 60 students from inception. End-of-term surveys indicated that this programming supported both older adults and students in building a sense of community, and both groups felt it had a positive impact on their moods. Student participants indicated it positively impacted their perceptions of older adults and healthy aging in communities.

Beginning in fall 2022, continued support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program allowed staff to offer more options for in-person programming, while continuing to offer a virtual option as well. This hybrid programming has allowed MIRA to engage new participants who are excited to connect in-person, while offering an accessible option that allows both older adults and students to continue to join remotely. In the coming year, MIRA looks forward to partnering with new departments and organizations both on-campus and in the community to extend this program’s reach in its new hybrid format.