Huntington University and ParkSide Centre Celebrate International Day of Older Persons


Seniors around the globe, including here in Greater Sudbury, are being celebrated.  At an event held October 1, 2019, hosted in partnership between Huntington University’s Gerontology Society and the ParkSide Centre, community members gathered in recognition of International Day of Older Persons.


In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st as International Day of Older Persons.  The 2019 theme is The Journey to Age Equality.  As such, the event included a guest lecture by Dr. Lorraine Mercer, Chair of the Gerontology Department at Huntington University, focused on the United Nations stance on the rights of older persons. 


“As students studying in the field of gerontology we wanted to lead the way in promoting and celebrating this important day in Greater Sudbury. International Day of Older Persons highlights the positive contributions, past and present, of our older citizens. It also offers the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our aging population and promote the rights of older adults.” - Teresa Rost, event organizer and member of the Huntington University Gerontology Society (HUGS). 


“We are very pleased to once again be celebrating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2019. Thanks to the support and expertise of Huntington University and its gerontology students (HUGS), we were able to build on our past initiative for our members and the community." - John Richer, Manager of the ParkSide Centre


"Students and faculty in the Gerontology Department at Huntington University were keen to collaborate with the ParkSide Centre and older adults.  Intergenerational projects such as this are critical for social transformation and recognition of generational inter-dependence." -Dr. Lorraine Mercer, Chair of the Gerontology Department at Huntington University


“Huntington University is extremely proud of our gerontology students for embracing Huntington University’s value of civic leadership, moving lessons beyond the classroom, and becoming actively engaged in making this community a better place for seniors. Events such as this one give us the opportunity to work together as a community, with the aim of ensuring the needs of our aging population are listened to, valued, honoured, and acted upon. - Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University

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