Nazareth and St. John’s partner to offer the first intergenerational living accommodations

This fall, for two seniors returning to Nazareth University, move-in day looked a little different. For the first time in its history, students will be living at St. John's Meadows in Brighton as part of the university's Gerontology program. The newly launched independent study project, called "Student in Residence," will offer eligible students each semester the opportunity to live at the independent senior living community.

St. John's and Nazareth University have been partnering for the past 14 years as part of the university's "St. John's Collaborative for Intergenerational Learning," with students and St. John's elders participating in intergenerational classes that meet at St. John's Meadows each Tuesday evening. Based on the success of the classes, Nazareth University's Dr. David Steitz brought the "Student in Residence" idea to St. John's. Seeing the many mutual benefits, leadership was eager to partner and bring Dr. Steitz's vision to life. This fall is the first-time students will be fully immersed in senior living 24/7 for the first three weeks of the semester. The "Student in Residence" program is an added feature of the Gerontology offerings at the university. Students wishing to participate will have had to successfully complete courses at St. John's prior to being given the opportunity.

The first two students taking part in the Students in Residence program were Nazareth seniors Samantha Catholdi and Sarah Daddona. The two – who shared a two-bedroom apartment at St. John’s – also had to attend their other classes at Nazareth while taking part.

"Learning should not only take place within the walls of a traditional classroom space," said Dr. David Steitz, professor of psychology and director of Nazareth University's Gerontology program. "I championed a new partnership with St. John's in 2009 to offer college courses for Nazareth students and elder residents together at St. John's Meadows, where students practice and apply what they learn from their studies. Students in these multigenerational courses learn from, and with, the elders to gain perspectives and knowledge that cannot be delivered by a professor or textbook. I am thrilled to expand Nazareth University's Gerontology program to offer our students an even more intimate understanding of the day-to-day life of seniors living at St. John's while giving them an opportunity to build life-changing relationships."

The pilot program kicked off on Sept. 3 with two students minoring in gerontology, and plans to offer additional "Student in Residence" opportunities every semester. Each student will be partnered with a St. John's resident who will act as their resident assistant, ensuring they have opportunities to immerse in the St. John's culture and build relationships with the elders independently living in St. John's Meadows cottages and apartments. For three weeks, students will live in a one or two-bedroom apartment, participate in recreational activities such as wellness programming and art classes, and dine with residents on campus. As part of the experience, students will present their work at conferences and help recruit additional "Student in Residence" candidates. The work that the students will be doing will align with other course work on campus such as their Core Milestone Experience requirement.

"Intergenerational programming helps bridge generational gaps, allowing older and younger adults to develop a sense of purpose and community," said Charlie Runyon, St. John's president and chief executive officer. "We are thrilled to expand our successful partnership with Nazareth University by welcoming students into our St. John's community and look forward to seeing the 'Student in Residence' program continue to grow."

According to Generations United and the Retirement Research Foundation, a 2017 study titled "Intergenerational Programming in Senior Housing: From Promise to Practice" found that having older and younger generations live together serves many mutual benefits. Creating intergenerational connections and bridging gaps results in a decrease in loneliness and increases in self-esteem, understanding, trust and sense of community among both Generations.

About St. John's

St. John's is one of Rochester's leading providers of senior living and care options serving nearly 1,000 elders and their families annually. St. John's Home, New York State's only registered Eden Alternative nursing home, offers services including skilled nursing care, Alzheimer's/dementia care, transitional care, rehabilitation, and hospice care at its 150 Highland Avenue location. Brickstone by St. John's, located on 30 acres in Brighton, offers contemporary independent living in uniquely designed apartments, bungalows and townhomes. St. John's Meadows, also in Brighton, offers multi-level, independent living in private, two-bedroom cottages and apartments, with optional amenities including fine dining, transportation, and health care services. With current locations in the Penfield area, THE GREEN HOUSE ® Homes provide 20 elders with all the services of a traditional nursing home within a ranch-style home that is integrated into a neighborhood setting. Learn more at stjohnsliving.org.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2022 September
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