Aegis Living Queen Anne Rogers Park residents and team members came together for ‘Generations Over Lunch’ on Jan. 16.
Nandi Butcher
Aegis Living Queen Anne Rodgers Park residents and team members came together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, for “Generations Over Lunch,” an effort in partnership with AmeriCorps and Death Over Dinner founder Michael Hebb to bring multiple generations together at one table to foster deeper conversations and drive action for a brighter future. The event was inspired by Dr. King and further driven by President Joe Biden, who called for a more united America at the recent United We Stand Summit.
United around a lunch table residents and team members, Hebb and an AmeriCorps volunteer, ranging in age from 30 to 99, discussed topics including generational differences, notable life moments and how to better come together and drive change.
“While we knew this event would hold significant meaning for our residents, the stories told and connections made truly went above our expectations,” Aegis Living Life Enrichment Director Michael Manus said.
Participants shared excitement around the opportunity to continue igniting action and support for such movements as LGBTQIA rights, Black Lives Matter and other key issues top of mind today.
Aegis Living resident Marie Hos, who will turn 100 in May, noted, “The luncheon was perfect. It made me aware of the other people at the table, their backgrounds and their interests. We are all so different, and yet we almost all have the same goal.”
Intergenerational connections drive a greater sense of purpose for older adults and provide younger people with a deeper understanding and respect for the generations before them. Aegis Living has a long history of curating these types of engagements across its 36 communities. This is the inaugural year for Generations Over Dinner, and the team hopes to continue growing the movement around the world with each coming year. More information can be found at generationsoverdinner.com.