Where Generations Learn, Grow, and Thrive Together

At Masonicare, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls.

The Living Classroom by Masonicare^TM is Masonicare's award-winning intergenerational living and learning program that brings together college students and older adults in a unique community experience built on connection, purpose, and shared learning. What began in 2016 with Students in Residence at Masonicare at Ashlar Village has grown into a thriving initiative that now includes Masonicare at Greenridge Place and Masonicare at Wesley Heights.

Through partnerships with Quinnipiac University, the University of Hartford, the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University, students live within our senior living communities, becoming active participants in community life while pursuing their academic studies.

The result is a vibrant environment where meaningful relationships flourish, stereotypes disappear, and both generations benefit from the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

More Than Shared Housing

The Living Classroom is not simply a residential program. It is a dynamic model of intergenerational engagement that enriches the lives of everyone involved.

Students contribute their time, talents, and energy through community activities, educational programs, technology assistance, wellness initiatives, and everyday interactions with residents. In return, they gain valuable life experiences, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of aging and community.

Residents enjoy opportunities to connect with younger generations, share their life stories, learn new skills, and remain actively engaged in a changing world.

Together, they create a community where learning is lifelong and relationships are transformational.

A Living Partnership in Learning

While the Students in Residence program remains the signature feature of The Living Classroom, Masonicare's university partnerships extend far beyond residential experiences.

Partnerships with Quinnipiac University, the University of Hartford, the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University bring students and residents together through internships, research initiatives, capstone projects, service-learning experiences, and interdisciplinary academic engagement across multiple Masonicare campuses. Because university curricula and student interests evolve each semester, so do the opportunities for engagement. Recent collaborations have included doctoral capstone students, instructional design students, nutrition graduate students, and other emerging healthcare and professional disciplines. These experiences create meaningful opportunities for students to apply classroom learning while enriching the lives of residents through education, wellness initiatives, technology support, research, and social engagement.

As Masonicare continues to strengthen its partnership with local universities, The Living Classroom will continue to grow, bringing new opportunities for innovation, learning, and connection across generations.

University Partnerships

Together, these partnerships create a dynamic learning environment where each generation serves as both teacher and student.

Quinnipiac University

Students in Residence at Masonicare at Ashlar Village
Community Engagement Legacy Course
Instructional Design Internship
Experiential learning opportunities that connect students and residents through shared educational experiences

University of Hartford

Students in Residence at Masonicare at Greenridge Place
Art in Healthcare Course
Graduate and undergraduate collaborations that support resident engagement and lifelong learning

Sacred Heart University
Students in Residence at Masonicare at Wesley Heights

University of New Haven
Students in Residence at Masonicare at Wesley Heights
Graduate nutrition and healthcare-related learning experience

Benefits for Residents

Meaningful connections with college students
Increased social engagement and community participation
Opportunities to share life experiences and wisdom
Exposure to new ideas, technology, and perspectives
Enhanced sense of purpose and belonging
A vibrant, multigenerational living environment

Benefits for Students

Affordable housing opportunities
Real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom
Meaningful relationships with older adults
Leadership and communication skill development
Exposure to careers in healthcare, aging services, and community engagement
A deeper appreciation for the aging experience

A Nationally Recognized Model

Since its launch in 2016, The Living Classroom has become a model for innovative intergenerational programming. The program reflects Masonicare's commitment to creating communities where residents continue to grow, engage, and find purpose throughout every stage of life.

By bringing generations together, we challenge outdated perceptions of aging while fostering understanding, empathy, and lifelong learning.

Building Community Across Connecticut

Today, The Living Classroom is active at:

Masonicare at Ashlar Village, Wallingford
Masonicare at Greenridge Place, Rocky Hill
Masonicare at Wesley Heights, Shelton

Experience the Difference

At Masonicare, we believe that communities are strongest when generations come together. The Living Classroom demonstrates the power of those connections every day, creating experiences that enrich lives, build lasting friendships, and inspire learning for all.

Discover how Masonicare is redefining senior living through the power of intergenerational engagement.

Welcome to Something Better.