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Every month, Lasell Village, – a CCRC on the campus of Lasell University in the Boston area – receives interest from other academic institutions seeking to replicate its model of senior living. Due to the growing interest in expanding university-based senior living and its positive impact on residents, Lasell Village President Zehra Abid-Wood believes the future potential of this sector has only just begun. “I believe that universities and senior living operators are going to be looking into this more and more,” Abid-Wood said during a recent episode of the SHN Transform podcast. “It’s a major benefit not just to the residents but also to the entire community, from an educational perspective.”
Lasell Village is currently in the process of expanding its offerings in anticipation of what’s to come. The community is adding 42 independent living units and additional amenities to its 180-unit campus, along with a new dining venue and community center. Furthermore, Lasell Village has over 300 households on a waiting list for future residency at the unique community. “It’s a chance for us to really evolve the footprint of the Village,” she said. “This is my goal: to start to attract different households and different demographics and so that we can truly be as diverse as we can be.”
This expansion project is driven by the community’s need to improve and allow for wider margins by capturing demand, instead of struggling with the financial limitations of a small portfolio of units. “We believe that lifelong learning really does lead to a richer and more fulfilling life and in many cases a longer and healthier life,” Abid-Wood said.
Below is a summary of responses provided by Abid-Wood during the latest episode of Transform:
On the interplay between intergenerational experiences and university-based senior living:
– It benefits both older adults and younger generations alike.
– It provides a shared journey of lifelong learning and experiences.
– The community offers a rich environment for residents to thrive.
On the state of university-based senior living in 2024:
– It’s expected to focus on intergenerational experiences rather than intergenerational living.
– There will be a respectful delineation of space for residents and students.
– Covid-19 has encouraged the design of intergenerational mentoring programs and the use of technology.
On the challenges of university-based senior living models:
– Finding the right balance between formalized engagement and an open-ended arrangement is crucial.
– Senior living and higher education are two different industries, so it’s important to navigate the different rhythms, objectives, and regulations of each.
On how university-based senior living affects residents:
– Residents benefit from shared experiences, lifelong learning, and intergenerational connections.
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