Author: Jacie Green

Volunteer with the Department of Public Health Sciences at Sharing Life Stories with Shockers, an opportunity to interview an older adult and preserve their story. There will be storytellers from Larksfield Place — former professionals in aerospace, healthcare, social work, education, business, military service and more — who are excited to share their experiences.

What you’ll gain:

• A meaningful volunteer experience
• Strong résumé or graduate school content
• Interviewing and communication skills
• A memorable intergenerational connection

Sign up (with a friend encouraged), meet your storyteller together and document their life story in a relaxed, conversational format. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity, respect and a willingness to listen.

Sign-up by Friday, March 6 to be matched with a storyteller. Sessions begin after spring break and are scheduled around your availability.

Looking for electives for summer or fall? Explore the diverse and growing field of aging studies. The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) offers a wide range of online courses across disciplines like biology, psychology, sociology and health.

For general education credits, this summer or fall consider enrolling in:

• PHS 100 – Introduction to Aging Studies – also available as a hybrid section in fall
• PHS 404 – Psychology of Aging
• PHS 405 – Sociology of Aging

If you’re pursuing graduate-level studies (but also available to undergrads), expand your expertise with:

• PHS 525 – Death, Dying, & Bereavement
• PHS 623 – Public Health & Communication in Aging
• PHS 765 – The Medicare System

Student snapshots from PHS 100:

• “Every week I learn something new that makes me look at aging differently.”
• “I am aware that I will be dealing with patients of all ages, and I find this course extremely helpful.”
• “This knowledge helps me develop empathy and provide appropriate support and care for older adults and how to take care of older adults.”

Thinking about a master’s degree?

Consider the Accelerated master’s degree in aging studies and take the next step toward shaping the future of aging services with an MA in aging studies.

Don’t miss your chance to connect your studies with a vital and rewarding field. Enroll today. Questions? Contact Jacie Green at jacie.green@wichita.edu

Have a student looking for a first-year seminar that’s anything but ordinary? FYPH 102G Connecting Generations offers a unique, intergenerational experience where students build meaningful connections with older adults at Larksfield Senior Living.

Students can dive into their life stories, learn from their wisdom and create unforgettable memories; a chance to make a difference, grow personally and have fun along the way.

Students can register for FYPH 102G Connecting Generations with CRN: 23951.

Looking for electives for summer and fall? Consider enrolling in aging studies. The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) offers a range of aging coursework that spans disciplines such as biology, psychology, sociology and health.

For those seeking general education options, consider enrolling in PHS 100: Introduction to Aging Studies, PHS 404: Psychology of Aging or PHS 405: Sociology of Aging. If you are eyeing graduate-level education, explore electives like PHS 625: Senior Community Programming, PHS 710: Perspectives on an Aging Society or PHS 717: Health Communications in Aging.

And for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree, learn more about how you can shape your future with an MA in aging studies.

Freshmen in Connecting Generations, FYPH 102G, spent the second part of the spring semester connecting with residents from Larksfield Place, an independent living community near campus.

Students in the class engaged in an intergenerational project, collecting life stories and breaking down stereotypes between generations. During the class, the first half of the semester was spent in the classroom, establishing knowledge of the aging population, while the second half of the semester took the class to Larksfield Place.

Students also enjoyed a campus visit from some of the residents, where the class met as a large group in the Rhatigan Student Center. Through collectively sharing stories, they learned just how much they have in common, and enjoyed an impromptu ballroom dancing lesson. The entire experience culminated with a life-story book and banner, presented to each resident during a luncheon at Larksfield Place on the last day of class.