The Center on Aging at The University of Vermont

05/13/2026

This spring, 46 UVM students connected with Grand Friends, or older adult volunteers from the community, through a Psychology of Aging course and a Social Work: Theory and Integration Prep seminar.

Both classes recently gathered for end-of-semester celebrations to recognize and thank Grand Friends for their contributions to students’ learning. We were inspired to hear about the mutually meaningful intergenerational relationships they've built.

Many matches are already making plans to keep in touch, with one pair deciding to become pen pals over the summer! 💌

College of Education and Social Services at UVM

05/13/2026

04/17/2026

Our annual Gerontology Symposium is just a couple of weeks away! There's still time to register for this day of learning and connection for professionals and family care partners around Vermont. We hope to see you there on Monday, May 4 at the DoubleTree South Burlington!

Join us for a full day of learning and networking for all who are dedicated to advancing the health and wellbeing of older Vermonters.

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

We were delighted to collaborate once again with the Communication Sciences & Disorders department for a special intergenerational learning experience as part of Professor Julia Walberg's Advanced Topics in Clinical Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology course.

Earlier this month, ten Grand Friends joined students for small-group discussions about navigating healthcare. Now an annual tradition, this class session creates space for meaningful dialogue between students and older adults grounded in lived experience. We loved hearing their conversations filling the room!

One student reflected, "Hearing their perspectives made me realize how important it is not to make assumptions based on age. In my future practice as a healthcare provider, I will apply this by listening more closely to older patients, respecting their experiences, and making sure they feel heard and involved in their own care.”

We are so grateful to our community of Grand Friends volunteers, and to our partners in UVM Communication Sciences and Disorders for their commitment to preparing future healthcare providers to listen with empathy and care.

🤝UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences

12/15/2025

Come join us tomorrow for cookie decorating (and eating!) at the Lake Champlain Memory Café – a welcoming space for people living with memory loss, as well as their family and friends.

⛄Tuesday, December 16 at 11 AM
❄️ NNE Branch Library (1127 North Ave, Burlington)
✉️For any questions, email [email protected].

This event is in partnership with Age Well & the Fletcher Free Library.

10/29/2025

We are thrilled to be part of the 2nd Annual Vermont Dementia & Brain Health Symposium in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living, the Vermont Department of Health, and The Dementia Collaborative.

Join us next Friday, November 7 at the Waterbury State Office Complex (or via livestream) to hear from Keynote speaker Dr. Dani Cabral, Founder and Medical Director of BrainLove. Additional highlights will include a panel discussion focused on dementia care in our rural and aging state, as well as three choices of professional development workshops.

💜 To Register: Tinyurl.com/BrainHealth-2025

10/14/2025

Our Student Advisory Board is back in action, welcoming new and returning members from across campus for the 2025-2026 year. These students inspire us with their passion and dedication to our mission, and we are so proud to have them as Center on Aging ambassadors!

10/07/2025

Tickets are now on sale for the Vermont International Film Festival's screening of Walk with Me on Saturday, October 18 at 12 PM! This documentary chronicles the journey of Charlie Hess and his wife Heidi Levitt as they learn to live with his early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Over four years of filming with Heidi as director and care partner, they crisscross the country, redefining how life will be lived to its fullest.

🎟 For Tickets and More Info: https://vtiff.org/events/walk-with-me/

Alzheimer's Association: Vermont Chapter
Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
Vermont Department of Health

08/22/2025

The Center on Aging and Vermont Conversation Lab are launching a new study to create space for older adults and their family caregivers to speak about experiences with social or intergenerational connection or loneliness. This project seeks to improve our scientific knowledge about how storytelling and StoryListening can contribute to older adults’ quality of life.

To get in touch with the StoryListening project research team and learn more: Contact study coordinator Susanna Pratt at 802-656-9912 or at [email protected].