Retirement can look different for many people in America. For some, it means staying at home and living on Social Security, while others might move to a luxurious retirement community. Some retirees may work part-time to stay busy, while others might travel with family or friends. However, moving back into a college dorm-like setting and spending time with younger students is not a common idea of retirement. Arizona State University (ASU) and Pacific Retirement Services believed this concept might actually work. They opened “Mirabella,” an on-campus retirement community, in 2020.
In 2013, Michael Crow, the president of Arizona State University, had a vision. He thought college should not just be for high school graduates. His idea was to include adult learners from various backgrounds as a central part of the school culture. This vision was called the “New American University.” Rather than focusing on how many students were rejected, ASU aimed to embrace a diverse range of students. To support this idea, the university collaborated with Pacific Retirement Services to create a retirement community that would be integrated into the campus. Research indicated that older adults who engage with their community and interact with different age groups tend to have better health and cognitive outcomes. This new community, reflecting a trend of University Based Retirement Communities (UBRCs), aimed to put this theory into practice. In 2020, the building known as “Mirabella” officially opened.
Mirabella is not an ordinary retirement community located near a bustling college campus. While residents do not have to be former ASU students, many are, and they are thrilled to return to their old school surrounded by memories. Regardless of their backgrounds, all residents are considered Sun Devils and receive student ID cards, allowing them to access campus facilities. Seniors aged 62 and older who live at Mirabella can take classes at no cost, attend sports events, and use the library, among other activities. These opportunities help keep them involved in their community, support brain health, and lessen feelings of loneliness. A remarkable aspect of this setup is the interaction between different generations. Residents volunteer to mentor students, sharing their life experiences with the younger crowd. Some graduate design and arts students live at Mirabella for free, as long as they perform and conduct workshops for the residents, which they willingly do.
One notable initiative at Mirabella is the All Ears Friendship Bench. This program places a resident volunteer on a bench in a busy part of campus, where they offer a listening ear, advice, and companionship to anyone who stops by.
Mirabella offers top-notch facilities and numerous amenities for residents, which means space is limited and the costs are high. It is significantly more expensive than typical senior living options, making it unaffordable for many retirees. There have also been reports of some tension between the older residents and the campus community, especially considering ASU’s reputation as a party school.
What are your thoughts on this unique approach to retirement living?
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Source: Upworthy, by Evan Porter