On September 19th, the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) welcomed older adults from across Hamilton and beyond for Mac engAGE, a day of intergenerational learning, exploration, and community connection. Guided by students and joined by researchers, attendees discovered new and familiar corners of campus, engaged with innovative research and technology, and experienced firsthand what it means to be part of an age-friendly university. Mac engAGE (formerly known as Older Adult Open Campus Day) is cohosted with the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, an interdisciplinary hub within McMaster’s Faculty of Social Sciences dedicated to improving the lives of older adults in the community and in care.
Aligning with McMaster’s age-friendly vision
More than a campus event, Mac engAGE represents McMaster’s broader mission to foster accessibility, inclusion, and co-design in aging research. By inviting older adults to experience the university first-hand, the event helps to break down barriers to engagement and builds bridges between research and real-world lived experiences, providing valuable feedback to MIRA trainees and researchers.
Community events like Mac engAGE align with McMaster’s ongoing commitment to creating an age-friendly university. Since joining the International Age-Friendly University (AFU) Network in 2017, McMaster has worked to implement the AFU’s 10 guiding principles. Some of these guiding principles include accessible programming, outreach that connects the community to research, and opportunities for older adults to be fully included in university life.
By welcoming older adults to campus, Mac engAGE creates opportunities for students and researchers to learn from lived experiences, while empowering older adults to see themselves as important partners in research and education.
“Older adults are valued partners in supporting research on aging at MIRA. Mac engAGE provides us with an annual opportunity to continue building those relationships by opening our doors and sharing what our researchers and campus partners have been working on” – Allison Dubé, Project Manager, McMaster Institute for Research on Aging
This year, Mac engAGE was thrilled to welcome members of the MIRA | Dixon Hall Community Advisory Group (CAG). Based in Toronto’s Downtown East, Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency dedicated to creating stronger, more resilient communities by providing programs that support housing, employment, and health services. The CAG, made up of older adult clients from Dixon Hall, plays an active role in sharing experiences and perspectives that help guide our important work at the MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre.
“Mac engAGE serves as an inspiring reminder of what happens when research and community come together. At MIRA | Dixon Hall, we are proud to celebrate spaces that connect people across generations and advance the future of aging research in Canada and beyond” – Marla Beauchamp, Scientific Director, MIRA | Dixon Hall
AgeTech Expo debuts at Mac engAGE
The AgeTech Expo, presented in partnership with AGE-WELL, Canada’s national technology and aging network, showcased how research and innovation can translate into meaningful impact. By connecting researchers, older adults, caregivers, and industry partners, AGE-WELL helps fast-track new ideas into solutions that support independence and quality of life. The exhibition filled L.R. Wilson Hall with curiosity and conversation as older adults explored innovations designed to support independence, health, and quality of life.
“Engaging with technology feels less scary. Talking with researchers made me feel excited and hopeful for the future of us older folks and technology” – Jan, Mac engAGE attendee
Attendees were invited to try everything from robots that act as social companions, demonstrated by Dr. Shane Saunderson, to immersive exergames and virtual reality activities led by Dr. John Muñoz that encourage movement and cognitive training. Dr. Milena Head’s team at the McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre (MDTRC) opened the doors of McMaster’s Mobile User Experience Lab (MUXL), giving attendees a glimpse into how research is taken directly into the community to reduce barriers to participation. Across the hall, projects showcased creative solutions ranging from web accessibility tools and assistive devices to music therapy, reminiscence apps and community art spaces. For full list of exhibitors.
A highlight of the afternoon was a public lecture delivered by Dr. Shane Saunderson, MIRA member and Assistant Professor, Information Systems at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business. Speaking to an engaged crowd of older adults, students, and researchers, Dr. Saunderson explored the rise of social automation—from robots and digital assistants to the ways artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping human interaction. The session sparked a lively discussion, with attendees reflecting on both the opportunities and challenges of living alongside emerging technologies.
Exploring campus, building connections
Guided by McMaster student volunteers, groups of older adults explored some of McMaster’s most engaging spaces. New stops this year included the Thode Markerspace, where older adults explored hands-on technologies used by students, and the LIVELab, a unique performance and research space dedicated to the science of sound and movement. Neighbouring groups visited the Biology Greenhouse, the Bertrand Russell Archives, and the W.J. McCallion Planetarium, offering a glimpse into McMaster’s rich learning and research environment. The afternoon highlighted a central goal of the event: to create spaces where older adults feel a sense of belonging on campus while students gain valuable insights from lived experiences.
“I feel comfortable with the campus now and am curious to learn more” – Gail, Mac engAGE attendee
“This is why I value intergenerational events at Mac so much, it is wonderful to feel accepted by young adults” – Mac engAGE attendee
“I look forward to this event. I tell everyone that it is my favourite day of the year!” – Jess Downer, Health, Aging and Society Student
The road ahead
Through initiatives like Mac engAGE, MIRA is shaping a culture where older adults are partners in discovery, and where research inspires real change in how we live and age well together. MIRA is committed to continuing our impact with Hamilton and the broader community, building off the momentum and valuable feedback provided by our community members, MIRA is excited to announce Bites & Insights, a new health education talk series offering practical and evidence-based strategies to support healthy, engaged living. We invite you to join us as we continue building connections between research and community to support healthy aging.
Thank you to all our attendees, partners and volunteers who came together to cultivate another successful year of Mac engAGE.
