University Retirement Communities
Residents often compare senior living to living on a college campus again, and in a university retirement community, it’s like they never left!
“Mom got to be part of an OSU program once where students were working on dog robots. They were writing software for interactive learning and working on memory and reaction, and my mom got to be part of that beta test. I love the relationship Wesley Woods has with OSU, it’s so cool they support beta testing stuff that’s going to make aging even better. It’s a very symbiotic ecosystem, there’s so many enrichment opportunities.”
-Keely, daughter of Wesley Woods resident
What is a University Retirement Community
A university retirement community (URC) integrates traditional senior living with local colleges and state universities in one of three ways:
- As a community built, owned, and operated by the university.
- As a community built on land owned by the university and operated by a third party.
- As a community owned and operated by a third party partnering with a nearby university.
This unique relationship allows universities to fill gaps in campus and resource utilization during off-seasons and create job, volunteer, and research opportunities for their students while allowing residents to enjoy the following benefits.
Campus Perks
Universities have special or additional features and amenities that senior living residents can enjoy, including:
- Alumni events
- Dining services
- Fine art events and social activities
- Fitness or recreational facilities
- Sporting event tickets at reduced or student prices
- Transportation services.
Lifelong Learning
When you live on or have close proximity to campus, it’s easy to continue your lifelong learning with access to:
- Classes
- Discussion groups
- Educational seminars
- Guest lectures
- Libraries and research studies
Intergenerational Connections
University connections allow seniors to develop intergenerational relationships with students by engaging in:
- Collaborative projects
- Lab and research assistance
- Mentorship
- Professional advisement
- Social outings
- Technology advancement
Medical Research
Many universities offer programs for students to become medical or health professionals, which would grant residents:
- Access to the latest medical research
- Continuum of care
- Participation in pilot health programs
- Volunteer opportunities to act as a patient for their peers
Why University Relationships Matter for Seniors
Senior living is impactful for older adults, and having that university connection grants them even more benefits:
- Access to state-of-the-art amenities
- Cognitive vitality and improved memory
- Intergenerational and cultural exchanges with a diverse group of people
- Social engagement and active lifestyle
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At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.