The department of Health, Aging and Society celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. As we mark twenty years of our department, we celebrate not only a milestone, but the people who have shaped it – our students, alumni, faculty and community. We are proud of the many paths our graduates have taken and the critical, compassionate work they continue to do across the fields of health, aging and society. Their reflections remind us why this area of study matters: because questions of health, care, aging, equity and wellbeing touch every part of our collective lives and futures. As we enter our next chapter, we are excited to continue building a department that prepares students to think critically, lead compassionately and respond to the evolving challenges of our time.
We took the opportunity to hear from students and alumni about their memories of the department, how their education helped them in their professional journeys and advice for future generations of students.
Andrea Wurster ’16
How has your education within Health, Aging and Society shaped your success?
During first year, we were encouraged to volunteer in a nursing home. I ended up working in that nursing home for five years and I never wanted to leave. We were able to pursue and shape our own research and assignments to our interest. I was able to explore throughout my degree. I loved every minute of it!
If you could speak directly to current Health, Aging and Society students, what would you tell them?
We are all aging. It is up to us to shape the future for all generations and bring equity to aging and care – for grandparents, parents and the generations to come.
Audrey Tan ’16
What’s your fondest memory from Health, Aging and Society?
I have so many great memories from my time being involved with the Health, Aging and Society Student Association (HASSA). It was newly formed when I was a student and it’s been really rewarding to see how subsequent generations of students have made HASSA their own. As a HASSA executive, I really enjoyed seeing fellow students make connections and share smiles at the networking nights and end of year semi-formals and am thrilled that these have continued.
My degree in Health, Aging and Society (HAS)has been fundamental to my education and career. My exposure to different qualitative research methods was particularly useful, both while pursing my Masters at the University of Oxford where my qualitative skills set me apart from classmates and in my professional roles where being able to interview stakeholders, thematically analyse information and engage with diverse groups has been a major asset. I work in health policy so having an understanding from my HAS studies of how the social and physical environment affects a person across their lifespan has been crucial to my work.
Alison Schure ’10
My education within Health, Aging and Society was the foundation that set me on my current path. It grounded me in a social justice and human rights framework and set the wheels in motion for how I wanted to focus my work. Following graduation, I completed a Master’s degree in public health with a specialization in Health Promotion, which I followed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I currently work in public health, which inherently focuses on the social determinants of health and health equity and I also teach undergraduate nursing students.
You are entering a field where your ability to think critically and challenge norms will be so important. To be able to do that effectively, I challenge you to check your own biases, attitudes and values, sometimes we don’t even realize how our thoughts play out! Be willing and open to understand new perspectives. Challenge each other respectfully.
Ana Margarita Talag ‘10
Some of my most memorable moments was learning about all things related to aging and women’s studies. The importance of women within the societal impacts of the world and how they are the change makers that we need to support. I learned this daily through my interactions with Anju Joshi and the late Stephen Lewis. I went on to do research with both of them and became their friends and that I will forever be grateful for.
I will always be grateful for Mac and HAS was where I found lifelong friends, mentors and my love (husband) and discovered my erudite nature. I’m proud of the education and meaningful conversations that shaped me and proud to be a Marauder.
HAS education has sharpened my understanding of the determinants of health and the real actions needed to support healthy aging. This means advancing both strong, evidence-based policy and grassroots knowledge. Learning from elders is not optional: it’s essential. The wisdom of Indigenous leaders and other changemakers must be actively integrated into practice as we confront climate change and respond to a rapidly aging population.
Mana Kurokawa ‘26
My fondest memory from my undergrad in Health, Aging, and Society was participating in a Knowledge Cafe in my first year Introduction to Aging course, where we had the opportunity to openly converse with older adults in the Hamilton community. Through these insightful conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in class through their lived experience. It helped me see aging as a personal and diverse process and ultimately solidified my desire to pursue a path focused on supporting older adults. In my third year, I had the opportunity to return to the event as a volunteer, supporting younger students as they participated in the same experience. It was especially meaningful to witness them build connections with older adults and develop a curiosity about aging through these conversations.
If I could speak directly to future and current Health, Aging, and Society students, I would encourage them to seek opportunities beyond the classroom where they can apply their learning, gain real-world experience and explore different career paths. Take advantage of every experiential learning opportunity and resource within and beyond the McMaster community so that you leave your undergrad with more than your degree!
I would also encourage them to engage with the HAS community and connect with upper year mentors, alumni and faculty. One of the most rewarding parts of my undergraduate experience was being involved with the Health, Aging and Society Student Association, first as a student representative and in my last year, as Co-President. Through this, I not only met like-minded students and developed transferable leadership skills, but also had the opportunity to give back and advocate for the student community.
Jess Downer ’26
One of my favourites memories from the department is being placed to support the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging for my field placement. I made a lot of great connections and have wonderful relationships with some of the older adults in the Hamilton community because of it!
I feel absolutely certain that I want to pursue gerontology thanks to some of the experiences I have had in the department. Health, Aging and Society has taught me to think critically by taking various vantage points, dig deeper in my research and to always be objective!
Katie Lewis ’26
Studying in Health, Aging and Society has given me knowledge of the factors that shape and conceptualize health and well-being. Being in the Mental Health specialization, I have learned quite a bit about the critical perspectives behind mental illnesses and their origins or treatments and I have shared this information with anyone in my life who will listen. This program has taught me the value of critical thinking and encourages the consideration of all perspectives before forming an opinion. These are all skills I will take with me into the future and will prove to be beneficial as I enter my career or form opinions on any aspect of daily life.
I would tell them that the program is amazing for flexibility and knowledge translation. Many of the topics we study in Health, Aging and Society translate to so many different careers or sectors, making the program extremely beneficial if you’re not too sure what field interests you. I know of people who are continuing their studies, going into healthcare, teaching, moving into the trades and working in public relations. The program allows you to learn valuable skills and information about health, while also preparing you for any field you enter.
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