Brock University students in a Leisure and Aging course have spent the past five weeks learning about the life stories of older adults at Tabor Manor retirement home.

The third-year students in Brock’s Recreation and Leisure Studies program have been working on an intergenerational project through photography and narratives to learn about life transitions they may not have experienced yet.

“Our partnership with Tabor Manor has enabled students to hear first-hand the life stories of older adults and relate these experiences to course learnings in a deeply personal way,” says Recreation and Leisure Studies Assistant Professor Colleen Whyte.

Students have heard first-person accounts of experiences in war, growing up in the depression era, as well as career accomplishments and family and religious values.

“The sharing of life stories is an incredible way for today’s seniors to pass along their wisdom of life experience to the next generation,” says Tim Siemens, CEO of Pleasant Manor and Tabor Manor in St. Catharines. “We truly value our relationship with Brock University and feel honoured to give back to our community through this experience.”