Intergenerational Classroom Reimagines Aging and Education:
You’re Never ‘Old’ and It’s Never Too Late
This fall, the University of Toronto’s (U of T) groundbreaking “Intergenerational Classroom” welcomes back an extraordinary learner: an 82-year-old grandmother returning to university to complete her degree.
Toronto, Ontario, September 2nd, 2025
Offered in partnership with Christie Gardens, a Toronto-based retirement community and long- term care home, the Intergenerational Classroom is an experiential offering of a Public Health Studies undergraduate course on ‘Aging and Health’ that brings together older adults and undergraduates in one shared classroom. Half the students are U of T undergrads; the other half are residents of Christie Gardens. The result? A dynamic, age-diverse learning environment that challenges stereotypes and fosters connection across generations.
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In its third year, this semester’s course marks a special moment: one older adult learner, 82, from Christie Gardens, who, after participating in the 2024 offering of the Intergenerational Classroom, was so inspired by the experience that she’s now enrolled at U of T to complete the undergraduate degree she began decades ago. This fall, her grandson also enters U of T as a first-year student. Earlier this summer, they woke up early to select courses together. Her first day of class is on Friday September 5th as a U of T student in the Intergenerational Classroom.
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“The longevity dividend and extended life span has created a generational opportunity. If the classroom can be seen as a microcosm of society, then being intentional about bringing the current older adults and the future older adults together can help not only change perspectives, but also shape the context of learning, and subsequently, how we may operate in society,” says Dr. Raza Mirza, course instructor, Assistant Professor (Status-Only) at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HelpAge Canada.
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The Intergenerational Classroom addresses the growing need to focus on aging and ageism in postsecondary education. Students explore key issues such as social isolation, dementia, purpose in later life, and end-of-life care—all through an intergenerational lens. Through seminars, group projects, mentorship, and shared reflection, participants bridge lived experience with academic learning. Dr. Mirza adds, “This course is designed to confront ageism and break out of our age bubbles by bringing generations together in a meaningful way.”
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In the intergenerational classroom, being the oldest student in the class is celebrated and the contributions of learners of all ages are valued. The intergenerational classroom approach also aims to breakdown age-associated boundaries around education that may deter many learners from returning to school.
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Join Us!
We invite you to join us on the first day of class, which will take place Friday September 5th, 2025 from 10:00am-1:00pm at Christie Gardens (600 Melita Crescent, Toronto, Ontario M6G 3Z4). Students and older adults will meet for the first time, and remarks will be delivered by representatives from our partners at Christie Gardens and the University of Toronto’s Health Studies Program, Institute for Life Course and Aging, and Office of Experiential Learning and Outreach Support.
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The University of Toronto’s Public Health Program is offered through the Faculty of Arts and
Science. Its students explore complex health challenges using interdisciplinary tools rooted in equity, systems thinking, and real-world impact.
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The University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course and Aging, is a hub for aging-related research and teaching at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.
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Christie Gardens Apartments & Care is a non-profit retirement community in Toronto’s Davenport neighbourhood that offers independent living and care options.
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Acknowledgements: The “Intergenerational Classroom” is being hosted at Christie Gardens in the 2025 Fall Semester as part of a partnership with the University of Toronto. It is proudly sponsored by the Christie Gardens Foundation, and supported by HelpAge Canada, CanAge, the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism, the University of Toronto’s Institute for Life Course and Aging, Faculty of Arts and Science, and the Office of Experiential Learning and Outreach Support.
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For more information about the Intergenerational Classroom or for media inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Hsieh, MSW, RSW, PhD Candidate
Teaching Assistant, HST308: Aging and Health, Intergenerational Classroom
Tel: (647) 308-5926