youngest person in my department to have a PhD degree.

I was the youngest person in my department to have a PhD degree.

I was 28 and was asked if I wanted to teach a course called “The Psychology of Aging”.

I had never taught “aging” before, had no prior experience working with older adults…

So naturally, I said, yes!

So here I was, 28 and teaching a course about the psyche of 65+yr olds.

It was a tough crowd for the first two semesters.

Lots of frustration and a bit of doubt and immense stress from my end.

A challenge that I knew I had to overcome in order to prove to myself that I can do it.

I don’t think the students sensed any of that, because not only was the course popular (and filling up with wait lists), but the dept wanted me to teach it again, and again… for 10+ years.

I developed a strong connection to the course and its objectives.

I would adjust my approach to it, through trial and error.

Evaluated what worked and what didn’t.

I asked for constant feedback from the students each semester.

I chose to invite guest speakers from not for profit and healthcare organisations.

I donated to their causes as a thank you (yes out of my own pocket).

Because I appreciated their time and support.

But also, because I knew, there was value in teaching younger adults to appreciate and think of working with older adults.

So when I get asked, why “aging” and not some other fancy psych area, I reply, “why not! It’s where my passion lies.”

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

And the benefits of intergenerational support and networking has been researched and proven to enhance the quality of life of both young and older people.

You should try it! I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

What benefits would you gain from working with different cohorts?