The Gerontology Club create valentines for the 65 residents at Altercare Post-Acute, a long-term care facility located in Brimfield, on Monday. The club organized the event as a way to show older adults how appreciated they are. 

“This club emphasizes the point that it is important for older people to feel like they are appreciated and supported.” Club member, Miranda Amison, said. “Giving them a simple card will help them feel like they are seen and appreciated.”

The club hosts events throughout the school year that aim to bridge the gap between college students and members of older generations in surrounding communities. 

“It’s really important because they tend to be the forgotten part of the population. People aren’t really checking in on them. This shows them that they are a really important part of our community,” club Secretary, Ava Semaan, said. “They love receiving these; they hang them on their door all year long.”

“I think a lot of college kids forget about older adults. I think this group is a great way to bridge that gap to help both generations realize that we care about each other,” club member, Grace Czerwony, said. “They have so much to offer and we have so much to give.”

In April, the club is hosting a western-themed prom for residents at Eden Vista Stow. 

“At the prom last year, we did a lot of listening to music and dancing. It was a lot of fun,” club Vice President, Adam Barrett, said.

Barrett said his favorite part of the club is seeing the joy on older adults’ faces. 

Each year, club members have the opportunity to attend the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference. 

The conference is held in April at the Stark campus.

According to OAGE’s website, the conference works to promote aging education, research and professional development for students, faculty, practitioners, administrators, professionals and Ohio’s aging network. 

Club member, Abby Knapp, said that the conference is a great networking and professional opportunity for club members. 

The Gerontology Club is open to all majors and is currently seeking new members. 

Club Social Media Director, Erica Crawford said, “Anyone is welcome to come to meetings and events. They don’t have to wait. We love new people.” 

The Gerontology Club is currently selling Malley’s chocolate bars for $2 each. Proceeds from the chocolate bars will go towards other events the club organizes.

Students interested in joining the club or purchasing chocolate bars can feel free to email club President, Allison Kidd at [email protected].

Angie Bowman is a reporter. You can contact her at [email protected].