Project Summary
Universities can play an important social role in addressing ageism in our society. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Russell (Co-Principal Investigator, Rural Aging Research Program and Associate Professor, Psychology), the Experiential Learning in Aging Project examines the outcomes of both lecture-based and intergenerational psychology of aging courses on ageism and intergenerational connectivity. Findings show positive outcomes in both learning environments, highlighting the positive impacts that university-led ageism interventions can have on both students and older community members.
Intergenerational Classroom
In Winter, 2024, Dr. Elizabeth Russell piloted the first iteration of the intergenerational classroom in her Psychology of Aging course. The goal was to increase intergenerational connectivity at Trent University, further building the firm connection between Trent and the Peterborough community.
Older community members (community participants) were invited into the classroom space as valued members of the class, connecting weekly with students through intergenerational projects and informally reflecting on their experiences with growing older. Students and classroom volunteers encountered an enriched and positive intergenerational learning environment. Such positive outcomes encouraged the implementation of a second iteration of the course, which is currently running in Winter, 2026.
Snapshot into the Intergenerational Classroom (1 min.)
Check out our 1-minute snapshot videos showcasing the 2024 intergenerational classroom!
Capstone Video (7 min.)
Watch our 7-minute capstone video that highlights the voices of students and community participants in the 2024 intergenerational classroom.
Project Team
Dr. Elizabeth Russell, Principal Investigator
Elizabeth Russell (Ph.D.) is Associate Professor of Psychology at Trent University, Co-Principal Investigator of the Rural Aging Research Program, and Principal Investigator of the Experiential Learning in Aging Project. Following the goal of creating an intergenerational Trent University, the Experiential Learning in Aging Project highlights Dr. Russell's passion for aging research, intergenerational connectivity, and community engagement.
Tabytha Wells, Project Coordinator
Tabytha Wells (M.Sc.) is the Research Coordinator for the Rural Aging Research Program and the Project Coordinator for the Experiential Learning in Aging Project. She plays a key role in the Project's implementation and research components, including project development, community participant recruitment and selection, classroom activities, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript creation.
Millicent (Millie) MacDonald, Research Assistant
Millicent (Millie) MacDonald is a Research Assistant in the Rural Aging Research Program and a fourth-year Psychology and Biology student at Trent University. She works with the Principal Investigator and Research Coordinator to support all aspects of the project, from classroom implementation to data collection, transcription, and analysis.
Project Video Series
Our project video series includes six snapshot videos that showcase the classroom dynamics of the intergenerational classroom, along with one 7-minute capstone video highlighting the voices of community participants and students.
Media Profiles
Seniors return to the classroom at Trent University
Nav Nanwa featuring Dr. Elizabeth Russell, CBC Ontario Morning | June 2025
Firsthand perspective on a learning between generations
Nav Nanwa featuring Bonnie Kimmett (2024 Community Participant), CBC Ontario Morning | June 2025
Rural aging up close: Inside Trent's community-driven research
Marina Kydd featuring Dr. Elizabeth Russell, Dr. Mark Skinner, and Tabytha Wells, Trent Radio | July 2025
Bridging the academic age gap
Trent News featuring Tabytha Wells | June 2024
Young and old learn side by side in Trent’s "intergenerational classroom"
Will Pearson, Peterborough Currents featuring Dr. Elizabeth Russell, students, and community participants | February 2024
Reports & Toolkits
Project Report
Want to learn more about the Intergenerational Classroom? Check out our Project Report that outlines the study's details, including key findings.
Pedagogical Toolkit
Interested in creating your own intergenerational classroom? Check out our Pedagogical Toolkit that provides an overview of key considerations to make when creating a university-based intergenerational classroom.
