Big Take Welcome to Undergrad. Meet Your 81-Year-Old Classmate
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Oct 3, 2025 Elizabeth Rembert, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in higher education, explores the fascinating trend of colleges partnering with retirement communities. She shares heartwarming stories of intergenerational friendships, like the mentorship between an 81-year-old and a college student. Rembert discusses how these arrangements offer financial solutions for schools struggling with enrollment, while also examining the challenges in creating these partnerships. The conversation unveils the benefits of shared learning and community for both seniors and students, shedding light on a unique educational evolution.
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Mentor Bond Across Generations
- Courtney, an undergraduate at LaSalle, formed a close mentor friendship with Tony, a resident who began college 72 years earlier.
- Their bond shows how intergenerational programs create meaningful social and academic support on campus.
Campus Land Reimagined For Seniors
- LaSalle repurposed unused campus land to host a senior living village that generates revenue and furthers its education mission.
- The model attracts retirees seeking lifelong learning and campus life access.
A Growing, Varied Niche
- Experts estimate about 85 university retirement communities exist in the U.S., varying widely in structure and academic integration.
- Some require learning commitments while others merely neighbor campuses without educational obligations.