October 1 is the International Day of Older Persons. To mark this occasion, lecturers of the Department of Social and Humanities Disciplines and World Languages organized an open discussion forum at the university library on the topic “Continuity of Generations: Traditions, Experience and a Modern Perspective.” First-year students took part in the event. They discussed the importance of the life experience and wisdom of the older generation for young people, the continuity of national values and traditions, and mutual understanding between generations in modern society. During the discussion, students focused on the life journeys of older people, their accumulated experience, unfulfilled dreams, and the advice they would like to pass on to future generations. As part of the preparation for the event, students asked university lecturers and elderly people they met on the streets a variety of questions and presented their responses in video format. The videos were shown to the participants, followed by an exchange of views. The responses concerning life journeys, dreams, advice, family, the value of time, and respect between older and younger generations encouraged the students to reflect on important aspects of life. The open discussion continued with a focus on such important issues as the meaning of intergenerational continuity, the importance of the older generation’s experience for today’s youth, ways of preserving national traditions, the relationship between modern perspectives and established values, respect for older people, and the responsibility of young people toward future generations. Each student had the opportunity to speak freely, express personal views, and share individual reflections and lessons learned from life. Some spoke about family upbringing and the influence of older relatives, while others highlighted the patience, hard work, and life principles of the older generation as qualities worthy of emulation. The lecturers asked questions, complemented the students’ views, and encouraged deeper reflection on the topics discussed.

            The discussion forum brought together the perspectives of different generations, clearly demonstrating the connection between experience and innovation. For the students, it was not simply an opportunity to express their opinions, but a meaningful experience that allowed them to learn from the life experience of the older generation and reconsider their own values.

            Continuity of generations means passing the experience and moral values of the past into the present and preserving them for the future. Every life lesson shared by the older generation is a legacy for those who follow. Valuing and carrying this legacy forward is the responsibility of young people. Thus, the open discussion forum dedicated to the International Day of Older Persons became a meaningful event that brought together respect for the older generation and guidance for young people, tradition and innovation.