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82-Year-Old Enrolls at U of T With Her Grandson

  • TCA Admin
  • Sep 30
  • 1 min read
After participating in an intergenerational university class on aging and health hosted at her Toronto assisted-living facility in 2024, 82-year-old resident Marion Gommerman is back for more. Now, however, she's enrolled as a student. (Craig Chivers/CBC)
After participating in an intergenerational university class on aging and health hosted at her Toronto assisted-living facility in 2024, 82-year-old resident Marion Gommerman is back for more. Now, however, she's enrolled as a student. (Craig Chivers/CBC)

Meet 82-year-old Marion Gommerman, who has officially enrolled in classes this fall alongside her grandson, Sam Griffin.


Gommerman’s return to school follows her participation in an intergenerational course on aging and health offered at her assisted-living residence last year. Motivated by the friendships she built and her desire to finish studies she began decades ago, she is now taking a course on health and Canada’s aging populations.


Her professor, Dr. Raza Mirza, says the program aims to combat ageism and social isolation by encouraging “generational solidarity” through shared learning experiences. Students also describe the classroom dynamic as richer and more meaningful when older adults share their perspectives.


For Gommerman, the goal isn’t a degree, but the chance to challenge herself.

“It’s not to get the paper,” she told CBC. “It’s just to feel that I was able to accomplish it and test myself.”

 
 
 

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