Senior (citizens) are starting all over on a college campus
Pair of women from Riverdale among charter members of community
Hedy Kramer and Marian Howard are counting down the days until they can “start” at Purchase College. While both intend on majoring in “retired life,” Hedy is also interested in performing arts and work. Marian wants to study Shakespeare and museum education.
The two longtime Riverdale women aren’t your typical arrivals at the SUNY school in Purchase. In fact, they won’t even be full time students when they show up in fall 2023. They will be charter members at Broadview at Purchase College.
The senior living community will be among only about 80 such university-affiliated, retirement communities in the country, according to Ziegler and Co., an investment bank that specializes in senior housing and education. Besides Broadview, there are similar communities either slated or have opened at Lassell College, University of Alabama, Furman University, the University of Florida, Notre Dame, George Washington University, University of Central Florida, Berry College and Arizona State.
When completed, Broadview will be the only certified University Based Retirement Community in New York state. In order to get that certification, a community has to meet the following criteria: be located one mile or less from core campus facilities such as theaters, classrooms and sports complexes, have formalized intergenerational programming, include senior housing services, have a documented financial relationship with a university, and have a population of 10 percent of residents with connections to the university.
“We can take courses, either sit in on them or take them for credit,” said Howard, 88, who has lived in Riverdale for about 40 years.
“I’m thinking about what I want to take. I’m a Shakespearean nut, so I might take a Shakespeare course or a poetry course.”
For Kramer, 75, who has lived mostly in North Riverdale for the 36 years she was married, the museum, performing arts center and certain creative classes drew her interest.
“When I was looking at the different activities, I saw that they have woodworking,” she said. “I have always wanted to take woodworking but it was frowned upon for girls when I was in school.”
During a topping-off ceremony on Nov. 9, Purchase College president Milagros “Milly” Peña described the idea behind building the intergenerational community on their campus. And the Broadview executive director Ashley Wade announced the community is already 92 percent occupied come the fall.
“The excitement surrounding this project is one of the things that most drew me to Purchase two years ago,” Peña said during the ceremony. “Broadview will transform our campus, physically and intellectually.
“Beyond the beautiful new buildings and shared outdoor space, Broadview has the potential to make new connections between students, faculty and residents to create new opportunities.”
Over the years, Purchase College has welcomed many retirement communities to enjoy student performances, exhibits at the Neuberger Museum of Art and Performing Arts Center as well as audit classes.
“Moreover, the future residents and the college are excited that this project will help generate scholarship funds for students and funds to support faculty,” she said.
Broadview will include 220 apartments and villas for seniors ages 62 and older, as well as assisted living apartments and memory care suites. The community will play off Purchase’s existing intergenerational programs, according to Wade.
“In the three years since the first reservation was finalized, it’s been inspiring to see our community of future residents come to know one another,” she said. Part of that “getting-to-know” one another was accomplished through Zoom group meetings that Broadview and the college administered.
Howard, who runs the senior seniors charter member group, has gotten to know some of her future neighbors over the past couple of years.
“This group of seniors is vibrant,” said Howard, a Fieldston alum and a Bank Street College of Education retiree who worked in the school’s museum department.
“We meet every week on Zoom. I feel like these are people I’ve known for years.”
A volunteer at the American Museum of Natural History, Howard continues to be involved in different forms of learning. She belongs to the Broadview book club and River People group for people who live along a river, such as the Hudson.
“The discussions have been wonderful,” she said about the book club. “I’m a snob, and I’m in the (education) field. So, I go there with a critical eye, and I’m loving it.”
Kramer, who is a retired psychotherapist, looks forward to being a Broadview charter member since her life took a sudden turn when her husband died this past summer. She is ready to branch out with her dog, Coconut (an 8-year-old Havanese, by her side.
“I’m looking forward to the people,” Kramer said. “It’s kind of lonely without my husband to visit. They have a pool, all these different restaurants that’s part of the cost. Compared to the facility my husband was in, it was very nice. But it was mostly for older people or very sick people.”
“I miss getting together with people talking about very interesting topics.”
So why would Hedy and Marian decide to forego a more traditional senior living community after enjoying so many years in Riverdale?
“You have the Metro-North, which will take me right here (Riverdale) and pick me right up,” Kramer said. “And I have relatives in Westchester that I care about.”
For Howard, it’s more about leaving Riverdale behind while still enjoying some of the area’s trappings.
“I walk in the woods every single afternoon,” she said. “I will miss the woods and Van Cortlandt Park and will especially miss the river. We formed a group of future residents called the Rivertowners, who live up and down the river.
“But I am ready to leave the responsibilities of the house behind. There’s so much to Broadview that’s beckoning.”
Keywords
Hedy Kramer, Marian Howard, Broadview at Purchase College, Milagros "Milly" Pena, Ashley Wade,
