Have a penchant for academia, or thought you missed your chance to make the honor roll? If you’re finding you have time on your hands, and love learning, what if I said you could make heading back to the class part of daily life? Thanks to university-based retirement communities, the grandkids won’t be the only ones shopping the back-to-school sales! College life as a baby boomer or retiree gives you the opportunity to learn what you want rather than what’s on the prerequisite list, and there’s no pressure to pull an all-night study session unless of course, you want to. Missed out on frat parties? I won’t tell you.
Time and time again research has proven the cognitive, and physical benefits of learning later in life, and these university communities are providing the chance for active adults to stimulate their minds and have fun doing it. Most college retirement communities are located in proximity to the universities themselves providing transportation to and from, and residents have access to amenities such as libraries, fitness centers while mingling with the younger crowd.
Lasell Village in Newton, Massachusetts is located across from Lasell college and is a continuing care community whose motto is A passion for living, learning, and laughter. Residents of Lasell Village are required to earn their keep by taking at least 450 hours of learning, and fitness activities each year, and have a wide variety of options from art history to participating in the community or volunteer services.
Kendal at Oberlin in Oberlin, Ohio is a lively community providing services for independent and assisted living as well as skilled nursing while providing an enriching learning environment for its residents. Working closely with Oberlin college, the community’s students can attend lectures, or audit classes on campus as well as experience the Conservatory of music.
Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, Oregon has paired up with Marylhurst University to give their active residents a vibrant lifestyle, and continuing education. This beautiful Pacific Northwest community provides on-site classes, lectures, and travel opportunities, as well as being able to audit classes at the university at no cost.
College towns are known for having a hip, youthful energy that seniors can benefit from socially, and physically. For many, work, kids, and life got in the way of pursuing higher education, and university-based communities are proving it’s never too late to start!
