We live in a society that is increasingly separating individuals into age-based groups, which can lead to limited interaction and the potential for negative stereotypes and discrimination, particularly towards older adults. So how can we best address this to build connections and relationships between age groups and generations.

In this episode of Aging Vibrantly, host Raeann Rideout and co-host April Struthers, feature the University of Toronto's Intergenerational Classroom, with guests Dr. Raza Mirza, professor and creator of the program, alongside with Florene Shuber a senior participant of the course, who is also a resident of Christie Gardens, a retirement and Long-term care home where the course is hosted.

We explore a new and novel approach of Intergenerational Classrooms which breaks down barriers between generations, offers a safe space to discuss ageism and allows students to explore aging from a viewpoint that considers the perspectives of both older and younger generations.

You will be inspired about the impacts this program has had on enriching the lives of students, seniors and teachers, opening doors for students to pursue careers in the field of aging, as well as the relationships that emerged through the intergenerational engagements and most impressive of all the transformational learning experiences. 

Learn more about how you can be part of joining the intergenerational network across the country.

Until next time - Stay Vibrant!

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References & Resources:

Intergenerational Classroom building bridges across generations. Presentation
 https://sagelink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dr.-Raza-Mirza.pdf 

Media Interviews

New University of Toronto course is building bridges across generations.   September 11, 2023
https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/news/building-bridges-across-generations/

This retirement home is redefining what it means to grow old. Globe and Mail Jan. 13, 2025. 
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/adv/article-this-retirement-home-is-redefining-what-it-means-to-grow-old/

An intergenerational classroom is bridging generation gaps. Toronto City News. Dec. 2023
https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/12/05/an-intergenerational-classroom-is-bridging-generation-gaps/Video

Intergenerational classroom giving university students and seniors a unique learning experience. Nov. 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erBpyvnh4Qs&t=1s

Other Programs:

Intergenerational programs offer seniors and students 'good medicine'. Canadian Affairs. June 5 2025
https://www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/06/05/intergenerational-classrooms-and-care-homes-offer-seniors-and-students-good-medicine/

TRENT UNIVERSITY - Intergenerational Classroom: A New Approach to Addressing Ageism. October, 2024
 https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/1103531/intergenerational-classroom-a-new-approach-to-addressing-ageism.html#:~:text=October%201%2C%202024,t%20going%20to%20be%20enough.%22

Resources:

Connecting generations: planning and implementing interventions for intergenerational contact. WHO October 2023
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240070264

This guide, developed for the campaign, builds on the evidence in the global report on ageism that interventions for intergenerational contact is one of three strategies that have been proven to work in addressing ageism, together with policy and law and educational interventions. 

Changing the Narrative: Ending Ageism Together
On the same pAGE – intergenerational toolkit that brings people of all ages together to discuss their experiences with aging and ageism is an opportunity to find common ground.

Intergenerational Conversations on Ageism.
 https://changingthenarrativeco.org/intergenerational-conversations/

 https://changingthenarrativeco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Changing_the_Narrative_Intergenerational_Toolkit_2024.pdf

Old School A Hub for Age Equity & Ageism Awareness
online resources about ageism in multiple languages. 
https://oldschool.info/

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About Our Guests:

Dr. Raza Mirza is the director of National Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization with HelpAge Canada and Assistant Professor at University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash (IN WHEN TASH) Faculty of Social Work's Institute for Life Course and Aging.

His areas of expertise and teaching interests include medical decision-making, aging-in-place, and factors such as social isolation and loneliness influencing late-life social, mental and physical well-being. He was this year's recipient of CanAge's Dr. Elizabeth Podneiks Award for Elder Rights in Canada which he received at the National World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event. And most importantly and why we have Raza with us today, is he is responsible for designing and instructing a University Intergenerational Classroom that is hosted at Christie Gardens Residence in Toronto.  

Florene Shuber, is an advocate, retired lawyer, teacher/educator, and was a principal of the Montessori Teachers' College and Montessori Dementia Program.

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Credits:

Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts
Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield
Co-Host: Pauline Luening, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee
Orginal Music: Redpath Audio

We want to thank HelpAge Canada for their financial support to produce Season 2 of the Aging Vibrantly podcast.

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