Wallis Annenberg GenSpace

A shared love of reading brought GenSpace members together for the launch of a new Book Club. Led by fellow member Karen, participants gathered to talk about favorite books, create bookmarks, and begin exploring a shared read together.

More than a discussion group, Book Club offers a space for conversation, curiosity, and connection. Whether exchanging recommendations or sharing perspectives on a story, members have the opportunity to build relationships around a common interest and discover new books along the way.

Intergenerational Greenspace brings GenSpace members and children together through shared experiences outdoors. Whether tending garden beds, exploring natural materials, or participating in hands-on activities, participants have the opportunity to learn from one another while spending time in nature.

These moments create space for conversation, curiosity, and connection across generations. Week by week, the program helps build relationships through simple shared experiences that bring people together outdoors.

Gaming for Healthy Aging introduced GenSpace members to the world of video games through hands-on exploration and play. Participants learned how to use the Nintendo Switch, experimented with different games, and built confidence with a technology that was new to many of them.

The class encouraged members to approach gaming with curiosity and a willingness to try something different. Along the way, participants discovered new ways to challenge themselves, have fun, and connect with others through a shared experience.

Seated Active Stretch gives GenSpace members the opportunity to improve flexibility and mobility through a combination of seated and standing exercises. Guided stretches and breathwork encourage participants to move with intention while building the range of motion that supports everyday activities.

Often overlooked in traditional fitness routines, flexibility plays an important role in maintaining independence and physical function. Through supportive instruction and shared encouragement, members strengthen their bodies while building greater confidence in movement.

Building new skills often starts with having a supportive place to learn. Billiards for Beginners gives GenSpace members the opportunity to develop fundamental techniques, strategy, and confidence in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Led by a fellow member, the class encourages participants to ask questions, practice at their own pace, and build familiarity with the game through repetition and hands-on learning.

By creating a clear pathway from beginner instruction to open play, members gain the skills and confidence needed to participate more fully in one of GenSpace’s most active social spaces.

Access to technology starts with access to information, resources, and supportive learning environments. Through partnerships with organizations like AARP’s Senior Planet and Verizon, GenSpace members have opportunities to explore digital tools and discover new pathways for building technology skills.

Whether learning about devices, internet access, or educational resources, members are encouraged to engage with technology in ways that feel relevant to their daily lives. These conversations help demystify digital tools while fostering confidence and curiosity.

Experiences like these reinforce GenSpace’s commitment to digital inclusion, ensuring that members have access to the knowledge and support needed to navigate an increasingly connected world.

Creative expression plays an important role in building confidence and lifelong learning. At GenSpace, member artwork created across a variety of art classes is celebrated through community gallery displays that showcase the creativity and unique perspectives of participating artists.

Sharing completed work in a public setting gives members the opportunity to reflect on their progress and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. These moments of recognition help foster a sense of pride and belonging while highlighting the value of creative exploration at every stage of life.

Beyond artistic skill development, arts engagement has been linked to cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, making programs like these an important part of supporting healthy aging and meaningful community connection.

At GenSpace, technology classes are designed to make digital tools feel approachable, creative, and relevant to everyday life.

In Digital Art, members use iPads, Apple Pencils, and Procreate to explore creativity while building confidence with new technology. Intro to AI offered another hands-on way to engage with the digital world, giving members the chance to experiment with generative AI tools and learn how AI is increasingly shaping everyday life.

Across these programs, members are exploring new ideas, building skills, and staying connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

Friendly reminder that GenSpace will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. We hope you all have a nice long weekend and look forward to seeing you all next Tuesday! ✨

At GenSpace, intergenerational programs are a regular part of community life. Each week, members spend time gardening alongside children from the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center, caring for the courtyard’s raised flower beds together.

Whether watering plants, trimming greenery, or simply talking and working side by side, these moments create natural opportunities for connection across generations. Over time, small weekly interactions grow into familiar routines, shared experiences, and meaningful relationships for both members and children alike.

Programs like this reflect GenSpace’s belief that community is strengthened when generations have opportunities to learn from, support, and spend time with one another. 💚