Students, retirees: Common ground

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Victoria Kozar, like many students, met one of her best friends while in college.

The now 23-year-old, who attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, says she and Beth lived in the same building and spent hours talking.

Her other friends are usually surprised when they find out that Beth Eichelman is 91 years old.

“I don’t refer to her as like, my elderly friend Beth,” she said. “She’s not like another grandma. She’s just one of the girls.”

Kozar, of New Milford, was among the first students to participate in the Masonicare-Quinnipiac University Students In Residence Program, which had her live during her senior year in 2016-17, at Masonicare at Ashlar Village, a retirement community in Wallingford.

Intergenerational learning isn’t new. There are dozens of programs across the nation. But only a few, such as Quinnipiac, actually have the generations live together.

The idea of the program is to tear down generational stereotypes, combat ageism and introduce students to possibility of careers working with the elderly.

Kozar, who is applying to medical schools, said the program helped steer her toward a career in geriatrics. She helped run a jewelry-making club and baking class at the center. Residents would ask her for help with computer tablets and technology.

“It’s nice to have someone come in who’s young, who is vibrant, who smiles, who talks to us,” said 85-year-old resident Clarisse Miessau. “That’s what they have done for us.”