Eastern Expands Lifelong Learning
Will Trzaski | News-Editor
New university initiative could create additional opportunities for students to connect with older adults through education, volunteering and community partnerships.
Eastern Connecticut State University students may soon have additional opportunities to work alongside older adults through volunteer programs, technology assistance and educational initiatives following the university's recent membership in the Age-Friendly University Global Network.
Announced Oct. 28, the university's membership reflects Eastern's commitment to lifelong learning and expanding educational opportunities for people of different generations. The initiative encourages universities to develop programs that connect traditional college-age students with older adults, both in the classroom and throughout the surrounding community.
For current Eastern students, the initiative could build on existing community engagement programs while introducing new opportunities to interact with older residents of the Willimantic area.
One potential development involves the Windham Senior Center, where Eastern students could volunteer to help older adults become more comfortable using modern technology. According to the Eastern's announcement, the proposed program would expand the university's existing community engagement efforts while providing opportunities for students to share their knowledge and develop communication skills.
Eastern's Center for Community Engagement already coordinates volunteer activities at St. Joseph Living Center and Douglas Manor. Through these programs, students interact with older residents and participate in recreational activities, establishing connections between the university and local care facilities.
The initiative could also introduce additional opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Among the possibilities being explored is a nursing simulation program involving older adult volunteers, allowing students to gain experience interacting with individuals from different age groups.
Beyond volunteer opportunities, Eastern's membership emphasizes the importance of making higher education accessible to people throughout their lives.
According to university figures, 54 students over the age of 50 graduated from Eastern during the past five years. Their participation reflects the university's existing role in providing education opportunities beyond the traditional college experience.
The Age-Friendly University Global Network, established in Dublin in 2012, brings together institutions committed to promoting lifelong education, intergenerational learning and research related to aging.
Eastern's involvement also provides a framework for evaluating its current programs and identifying areas for future development. Psychology Professor Jennifer Leszczyński, who helped bring the initiative to campus, emphasized the importance of collaboration across the university in developing additional opportunities.
According to Eastern's announcement, the university will report its progress to the network after five years, allowing time to develop new programs and expand existing efforts.
While several of the proposed initiatives remain in the planning stages, Eastern's new membership could expand opportunities for students to engage with older adults beyond traditional classroom settings.
As the university develops these programs, its efforts may strengthen relationships between students and the surrounding community while emphasizing the value of education and collaboration across generations.
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