By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — At a time when generations are often described as divided by screens, schedules, and life stages, the New Fairfield Senior Center is bringing them together — one conversation, one shared experience at a time.

Whether it’s a college nursing student joining a quilting group, a senior listening to a second grader read aloud, or a roomful of older adults stepping into the role of “patients” to help train future clinicians, these interactions are reshaping how both young people and seniors see one another.

For Kathy Hull, director of the New Fairfield Senior Center, the impact is immediate and meaningful.

“I think it always validates to seniors that they’ve lived a lot of experience,” Hull said. “They like to be teachers, like mentors… or just to talk about their lives, their history, their experiences.”

Changing Perceptions on Both Sides

The NF Senior Center’s Intergenerational Program began about 15 years ago. It is rooted in a broader mission: countering ageism and promoting an age-friendly community.

That effort often begins by challenging expectations.

“When people come here, it’s more of a human experience,” Hull remarked. “A lot of students have never been in a senior center before. They expect to see rocking chairs and wheelchairs, and they’re amazed by what they encounter.”

Instead, they find a vibrant, active community: seniors participating in strength training, quilting, language groups, and even cornhole leagues. In some cases, those experiences leave a lasting impression on students who had not previously considered working with older adults. “We’ve had social work students who thought they wanted to work with children,” Hull said. “And after being here, they say, ‘I think maybe I would like to work with seniors.’”

At the same time, the program is also reshaping how seniors view younger generations. “There’s this perception that younger people are always on their phones,” Hull noted. “But when these students come in, they usually have a lot going on. They love talking.”

Sharing Learning Across Generations

The connections are intentionally flexible, allowing relationships to develop organically.

Students from Western Connecticut State University (WestConn), including nursing and social work majors, regularly spend time at the center as part of their academic training. Some are completing observational hours; others, like social work field students, spend several hours each week engaging directly with seniors.

Instead of adhering to a strict schedule, students are invited to take part in activities they find appealing. These could involve joining exercise sessions, spending time with quilters, or just chatting with others.

Hull recalled one recent visit from a nursing student who had attended New Fairfield High School (NFHS) and discovered an unexpected connection. “The student said she was making her own clothes, and she went in and sat with the quilting group. They were working on a quilt together at the sewing machine, and they started talking about where she learned that. It just naturally connected them.”

Moments like that, Hull added, are common. They are often eye-opening for younger participants.

Connecting Classrooms and Community

The intergenerational connections extend beyond higher education. Through a partnership with New Fairfield Elementary School, senior volunteers visit classrooms weekly, assisting teachers and working directly with students.

In some cases, they help with classroom activities; in others, they listen as young readers practice their skills. “I get to listen to the second graders read,” Hull said with a smile.

Susan Hastings, grade two teacher and coordinator of the Student Buddy Program with the NF Senior Center, said, “We really enjoy bonding with the seniors at the senior center! We have about 10 participants this year. They read with individuals and groups, help students practice math and English, etc. It gives some of the kids a chance to interact with an older person. It gives our seniors a sense of accomplishment and connection in our community.”

When I asked my class to think about how they felt about our senior partners coming to read with them, this is what they said:

‘It’s a fun way to practice reading.’

‘I’m grateful that they make the time to come read with us.’

‘I really enjoy it. It’s so exciting.’

‘It’s a relaxing time to read with someone.’”

The center also collaborates with local high school students through programs such as the Senior Enrichment Experience (SEE), which allows graduating seniors to gain real-world experience in community settings. “These programs help students get out into the community,” Hull explained. “And they help people better understand what a senior center really is.”

Andrea Forzaglia, SEE Coordinator and culinary teacher at NFHS, said, “We have been working with the senior center for a few years now. This year we have five students who will participate. Two of our students have volunteered at the center before and wanted to continue their involvement. They will be helping with different programs for the seniors. The other three students are going to assist with maintenance and landscaping around the building.”

She continued, “I have been running the SEE program for five years now. It has been a pleasure seeing the students participate in their chosen experiences. Students have secured jobs, decided on careers, helped out around their community, and learned new skills while completing their experiences. I think the program experience is unique, and our students are lucky to have this opportunity.”

Engaging in Hands-On Learning

One of the center’s valuable collaborations involves advanced practice nursing students, who participate in a firsthand clinical exercise with seniors serving as “standardized patients.”

During these sessions, seniors are given a set of symptoms and interact with student clinicians, who must assess and diagnose their condition. “We offer ourselves as patients,” Hull said. “We have a script, and they have to figure out what we have based on what we tell them.”

The sessions not only help train future healthcare providers, but they also give seniors an active, meaningful role in the learning process.

Experiencing a Community Full of Energy

For many first-time visitors, the biggest surprise is not just the range of activities but the energy of the people themselves.

Hull pointed to one standout example: a 99-year-old regular who participates in line dancing, cornhole, and other activities throughout the week. “She’s very bright and very active,” Hull said. “People don’t expect that, but that’s what they see when they come here.”

Growing Connections, Creating Lasting Impact

While most of the interactions are brief and tied to specific programs, their impact can be lasting. Even a single visit, Hull said, can shift perspectives. “It’s really about the moment,” she said. “They enjoy spending that time together.”

Looking ahead, Hull wants to get the word out more about the NF Senior Center’s Intergenerational Program so more people will participate. She also sees opportunities to expand the program even further through new activities that bring generations together in different ways, from shared meals to lessons in everyday social interaction.

Currently, the center remains a space where people exchange stories, question assumptions, and form connections that, even if short-lived, create lasting memories.