We recently welcomed Lindsey Beagley from Mirabella at Arizona State University as a guest on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable gathering. Lindsey describes her work as “innovating at the intersection of higher education and longevity.” As senior director of lifelong university engagement for Mirabella at ASU, Lindsey creates opportunities for residents to engage with the ASU campus.
The following are some highlights from her Roundtable conversation.
TWO INDUSTRIES, ONE POWERFUL NEW POSSIBILITY
Merging higher education with senior living might seem unusual, but this fusion can disrupt and redefine both fields. The concept of a university-based retirement community exemplifies how bringing together two distinct industries can lead to groundbreaking innovations and new possibilities.
DEMAND IS GROWING
The baby boomer generation, being the most educated retiree cohort ever, has a strong nostalgia for its college years. Additionally, boomers are healthier and have different expectations for retirement, compared to their parents and grandparents. Andrew Carle, who coined the term “university-based retirement community,” identified that seniors seek active, intellectually stimulating and intergenerational environments — qualities that are inherent to college campuses.
A HIGHER EDUCATION RENAISSANCE
Lindsey believes that the 65-85 age range is not about winding down but, rather, a renaissance. Supporting this, the highest proportion of entrepreneurs are between 55 and 64 years old, showing a trend toward retooling and applying skills in new ways. Additionally, many people over 65 feel about 20 years younger than their actual age. To engage this demographic, products and services should meet their functional needs while reflecting their youthful self-perception.
THE BENEFITS OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS
The benefits of intergenerational connections are profound. For young adults, engaging with older generations enhances civic engagement, boosts entrepreneurial skills and builds self-confidence. For older adults, these connections reduce social isolation and improve quality of life, along with offering physical benefits, such as better balance, increased strength and reduced risk of falls.
Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.
