University-based retirement communities (UBRCs) are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional retirement living. While this model is expanding in the U.S., could university-based retirement communities work in the UK? Could they provide intellectual stimulation, intergenerational engagement, and a sense of purpose in later life? Or are there better, more inclusive ways to achieve these goals?
I was inspired to write this after reading an article by Celso F Lopez. Rather than just share it, I want to add my UK perspective. Moving to a retirement flat isn’t on my list (the costs!), but the concept of university-based retirement communities intrigues me.
A New Model for Later Life?
University-based retirement communities challenge the traditional view of retirement as a time for leisure and slowing down. Many retirees want to stay engaged and active, but would this work in the UK, where higher education operates differently? Unlike in the U.S., many British retirees never attended university. Returning to a campus they never belonged to may not hold the same appeal.
Consider those who missed out on higher education. In the 1960s and 70s, many young men were steered into trades instead. Take Matt, a skilled HGV mechanic who wanted to be an accountant but was pushed into mechanics due to labor shortages. Or Ann, who dreamed of hotel management but was only ever considered for supermarket work. Would living in a university-based retirement community feel inspiring—or like a reminder of missed opportunities?
Pros and Cons of University-Based Retirement Communities
Pros:
- Intellectual Engagement: Access to lectures, cultural events, and research communities supports lifelong learning.
- Intergenerational Connection: Opportunities to mentor students and join discussions bridge the generational gap.
- Social Benefits: A built-in community reduces loneliness and enhances well-being.
- Health and Longevity: Intellectual and social engagement can slow cognitive decline.
Cons:
- High Costs: Entry fees and monthly charges make these communities unaffordable for many.
- Exclusivity: If limited to those with university ties, they exclude a large segment of retirees.
- Cultural Fit: British universities lack the U.S. tradition of strong residential alumni networks.
- Institutional Risks: University financial struggles could threaten the stability of these communities.
The Bigger Picture
University-based retirement communities challenge the traditional model of age-segregated retirement by reintegrating older adults into educational settings. This shift moves away from isolated care homes, where older people often feel disconnected from younger generations.
However, these communities could deepen inequality. If only wealthier retirees can access them, later-life experiences may become even more divided. Can we rethink lifelong learning and intergenerational engagement in ways that are more inclusive?
Would a University-Based Retirement Community Work for Me?
I love intellectual engagement and intergenerational exchange, so the idea of university-based retirement communities appeals to me. Stimulating discussions, cultural events, and mentoring opportunities align with my vision of meaningful later life. But the high costs and exclusivity are concerns. If I were to consider this, I’d look for models that prioritize accessibility and diversity.
Alternative Models for Intellectual and Intergenerational Engagement
Rather than focus solely on university-based retirement communities, how else could we meet these needs in the UK?
- Local Learning Hubs: Could retirees access university lectures and workshops without relocating?
- Intergenerational Co-Housing: Could housing developments mix older and younger residents to encourage shared learning?
- Lifelong Learning Networks: Could employers, universities, and councils create structured mentorship programs for over-60s?
- Career Rethinking: How can we help mid-life and later-life career shifts for those who never had the chance to pursue their true interests?
Questions to Consider
- Would you want to live in a university-based retirement community? Why or why not?
- How can we create spaces for lifelong learning and intergenerational interaction that aren’t limited by income or education?
- What other retirement models could foster intellectual growth and community engagement?
- Have you ever felt you missed out on an educational or career opportunity? How might you reclaim that now?
Conclusion
University-based retirement communities offer an exciting vision for later life, aligning with the shift toward purposeful and engaged ageing. But for them to work in the UK, they must fit our cultural and educational landscape. More importantly, they must not be an option only for the privileged few. If we’re reimagining ageing, inclusivity must be at its core—not an afterthought.
