This summer, representatives from the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and nearby seniors’ residence Shalom Village started planning ways to connect older adults with McMaster’s aging research community.

And this month, as a bus full of older adults and McMaster students — not to mention intergenerational laughter, stories, and connections — travelled across campus, from Mills Library to the new Greenhouse, those plans for community-engaged research grew into reality. 

Co-organized by MIRA and the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, the second annual Older Adults Open Campus Day (OAOCD), hosted more than 70 older adults and 50 students divided into groups, led by volunteer guides as they explored exciting McMaster spaces and connected with the campus in an accessible and comfortable way.

“(The residents) want to get out, learn and be a part of the community. They like being a part of research, and love sharing their aging process too! There’s a lot of life left to live. (Coming to McMaster) affects the rest of their day, and the joy just spreads” — Tracey Humphreys, Wellness Coordinator, Shalom Village

The older adults joined student volunteers in exploring the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, W. J. McCallion Planetarium and other campus attractions.

“I love being on campus in new and exciting ways, and the offerings were pretty terrific.” says OAOCD attendee Therese, at a lunchtime presentation on brain health by Anthony Levinson.

“An absolutely awesome day for older adults at the university.” 

For attendees from all generations, campus visits inspire feelings of connection and comfort.

“Last year’s experience was so positive and beautiful that it drew me back in again this year. I was 14 days into my university experience, and I was so nervous of what the older adults would think about me. I sat next to a woman named Beth at the planetarium, and we both shared our histories.

I felt so warm and connected to a person for the first time since beginning my university journey. This opportunity helped me to understand on an undeniable level that connection with older adults is deeply fulfilling to the heart and soul. Just go, talk to people, listen to them, and have fun!” — Maya Shad, second year Health, Aging and Society student   

“I enjoy being on campus. I thought the students would look at me like I was out of touch, but they don’t! I found them quite open and welcoming. I didn’t feel out of place. It was fine. It was good.

I like listening and talking to them about the future. I like to hear how they think.”  — Lynda, Bites & Insights attendee

To Shalom Village resident — and former McMaster employee — Anita Weidsman, community-engaged research and the connection with McMaster inspire a new calling to life-long learning.

“When I come to McMaster, I feel at home. Find me a gerontology position!”

McMaster is a member of the  international Age-Friendly University Network of higher education institutions committed to becoming more universally accessible.

The university also hosts a committed and cross-campus community of researchers and students studying topics in aging, supported by groups like MIRA and the Gilbrea Centre.  

McMaster research supports that principles of co-design — meaningfully involving older adults with aging research at all stages — forges the connections, comfort and insights that make research stronger.

“Community-engaged research is powerful because it connects academia with real-world experiences, fostering collaboration and trust. By involving community members, we ensure outcomes are both scientifically robust and socially relevant.”
— Parminder Raina, Scientific Director of the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging

The Older Adult Open Campus Day and the Bites & Insights series, which engaged older adults through discussions at Hamilton Public Libraries earlier this year, puts 10 guiding principles of an age-friendly university into action directly. These initiatives are partially funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

MIRA’s upcoming series Sage Conversations will continue to create a community of accessibility and inclusion, broadening the “McMaster community” to learners of all ages. 

Everyone involved in the event, from our visit hosts to the students, benefits from sharing their perspectives while having fun together.” — Anthea Innes, Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging