David Lindquist, 86, felt youthful energy fire through him after attending the inaugural SeniorsKnow at Gilmore Gardens.
Last May, the retired University of B.C. nuclear physics professor and 40 other residents spent 90 minutes in a heated discussion about Osama bin Laden, the federal election and living together.
"It was right after Osama was killed and it was so refreshing to talk politics and current affairs with other people here," said Lindquist, who is widowed but has a 15-year partner, a retired lawyer who visits him frequently.
The six-year resident at Gilmore said the SeniorsKnow program is vitally important for seniors.
"Studies on seniors living in homes or institutions have shown how fast people sink in despair if they aren't stimulated," said Lindquist. "I recognized that SeniorsKnow is a good idea to get people engaged.
"The greatest stimulus is to get people riled up. we need more people to speak up though."
When asked what would get him incensed, Lindquist quickly responded: "Maybe a discussion about aliens would get me upset."
Hans Klein, 80, a retired flight attendant who has been married three times and has two daughters, agreed with Lindquist.
"I found the discussions to be very stimulating and after hearing some of the responses of the others I have broadened my view of certain things," said Klein. "I've even changed my opinion about certain topics because of our discussions."
What stunned both men was the response by the ladies in the group to living together before marriage.
"The ladies supported living together and I was particularly surprised given it came from the guardians of the nest," said Klein, a four-year resident.
Lindquist interjected: "I didn't expect that response from the women because when they were growing up living together would have been taboo. They are pretty liberal."
Matthew Toom was equally astonished at how open-minded some of the seniors were.
"Amazing really how up to date and free thinking some of the seniors are," said the 25-year-old, who co-founded the non-profit organization, SeniorsKnow, about a year ago with Joseph Westgeest.
Toom, a software engineer and Westgeest, a recreation therapist working with seniors, met as lab partners at Simon Fraser University.
Over the years, the two had volunteered countless hours in their respective community prior to coming up with SeniorsKnow.
"Joe had worked in seniors homes in New Westminster and we just felt seniors was an area that was underserved," said Toom, who grew up in Richmond.
"We wanted to volunteer our time and so we thought we would engage seniors in discussions to motivate them to keep up with current events . it grew from there."
Toom said he likes choosing topics that are "contentious, physiological or have deep social impact or evoke strong emotions."
In much the same vein as Philosopher's Café, Toom and Westgeest come up with a series of topics that they hope will spawn some lively discussion.
"During our second session, we asked how people felt about capitalism . were they for or against it," said Toom. "Again it got heated, and more so when they spoke about our federally funded health care system."
At the inaugural SeniorsKnow, Anne MacLennan, the recreation manager at Gilmore Gardens, expected about 15 out of the 122 residents to show up - 40 residents came.
"When Mat and Joe approached me, I had a good feeling about it," said MacLennan. "The energy, the interaction and mental stimulation that is going on in the room are fantastic.
"They delve into interesting topics."
She went on to say that although Gilmore Gardens offers a plethora of activities - fitness classes, wellness sessions, aquatic exercise, Tai Chi, entertainment, bridge, cribbage and music therapy - the male residents weren't too keen on taking part in many of them.
"The men were never that interested, but when we started SeniorsKnow in May of this year, the men perked up," said MacLennan. "I immediately went out and bought a microphone so we could hear everyone.
"Sensitive topics invite conversation."
From the minute Toom and Westgeest approached her with the idea, MacLennan said she embraced SeniorsKnow wholeheartedly.
"For young people to have the initiative and desire to engage seniors is so commendable and would love to have this on a more regular basis at a specific time twice a month or more."
On average, SeniosKnow attracts about 15 to 25 residents. Topics can be as varied as: conspiracy theories, world poverty and religion.
"I think some people feel a little intimidated but if they gave it a chance they would feel like me; filled with energy," quipped Lindquist.
"I enjoy coming and hearing what other people are feeling and thinking."
Toom would love to expand the program into other communities and even offer it in other languages such as Cantonese. Right now, the two are offering the program at three senior homes - Gilmore Gardens, Richmond's Courtyard Gardens and Thornbridge in New Westminster.
"We need more young volunteers willing to get a discussion going on such topics as politics, life lessons, philosophy, current events and anything else that might be of interest," said Toom. "Joe is actually taking it into Alberta right now."
If you would like to know more about SeniorsKnow or you are interested in volunteering, visit www.seniorsknow.ca or email info@ seniorsknow.ca.
