Science Saturdays: Where Lifelong Learning Thrives

A typical Saturday morning at Edgehill looks like this: A room filled with engaged minds discussing articles from the New York Times science section that explore artificial intelligence or the future of wine in an ever-changing climate. It looks like neighbors asking thoughtful questions, challenging assumptions and staying deeply connected to the world around them.

It looks like Science Saturdays with resident Mark Goldsmith.

Retirement Living Designed for Engaged Minds

Edgehill residents are lifelong learners, many of whom are enriched by diverse backgrounds in academia. Mark spent 16 years in Stamford, CT, teaching science to middle school students with topics ranging from life sciences, basic chemistry, earth science and physics.

“I really focused on the hands-on learning, while also encouraging my students to get comfortable with reading and writing,” Mark recalled. “It was important to me to bridge the gap between subjects.”

This approach to learning creates a foundation for his students to feel curious about not only the world around them, but also what conclusions they could draw and how to communicate those thoughts effectively. It served him well in working with different age groups, including his peers in retirement.

“Everyone at Edgehill is very gracious and encouraging of our interests,” Mark shared. “In fact, I was speaking with another resident at dinner about my science background and a recent article in the Times, and she encouraged me to expand our chat to a wider audience. That’s how Science Saturdays came to be.”

How Does Science Saturdays Work?

Every other week, residents receive an email from Mark forecasting the Science Saturdays topic, often drawing from the weekly science coverage in The New York Times, and what they should come prepared to discuss. Recent topics have included:

• How AI is helping diagnose disease and decode the human genome
• The origin and history of Valentine’s Day
• How 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of dementia

One lively discussion about how shifting temperatures are affecting wine production sparked something unexpected. “That conversation led to starting a new program. We now have a wine tasting group!”

For our residents, gathering to discuss new ideas, different opinions and interesting occurrences naturally evolve into shared experiences and sometimes even a new activity.

An Added Benefit: Social Connections

What makes Science Saturdays particularly compelling is not only the content, but the audience. Residents bring remarkable professional and personal histories to the table. Former executives, educators, scientists and civic leaders contribute perspectives that elevate the dialogue.

“They’re thoughtful. They ask great questions. They come up with stuff all the time that I didn’t think of, which allows me to learn alongside them.” Mark describes the experience as deeply fulfilling. “It’s amazing when somebody opens up and tells you what they’ve done, what they’ve been through and how it relates to the subject. You get pretty amazing stories.”

In one recent session focused on environmental action, the group discovered that a fellow resident quietly volunteers to plan and manage a local park in Stamford, leading to more connections made.

The conversations do not end when the weekend does.

“After Science Saturday is over, invariably I have three, four, six people to talk to,” Mark says. “People will stop me later and say, ‘I really liked that story. What do you think about this?’ It happens all the time.”

Edgehill Offers Engagement and Peace of Mind

At Edgehill, community and connection are built into daily life. Conversations continue long after the formal program ends, neighbors become collaborators and an article from The New York Times can spark a debate, a new friendship or even a wine tasting group.