When we think of a “retirement community,” we tend to picture seniors at leisure, playing games and polishing their golf clubs. But that picture can be quickly shattered by a number of well-dressed CEO-types striding purposefully out the front door of Beaumont at Bryn Mawr. They’re

Beaumont at Bryn Mawr – A Gracious, Resident-Owned Community

setting off for work. For these Beaumont residents, keeping their day job into retirement is a choice. As a 2011 AARP study suggests, 31 percent of people turning 65 are still working full or part time, many simply to remain engaged. A Wells Fargo study goes a step further in saying that fully 74 percent of new retirees expect to continue working in some capacity beyond retirement.

Paul Mecray

Beaumont is a 5-star Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the heart of the Main Line, the purview of the highly educated, accomplished and successful. No surprise then that Beaumont has its share of MDs, PhDs, CEOs, senators, and so on. These folks don’t keep their day jobs out of economic necessity. “Why would I give up my career and sit around, just because I moved to a retirement community?” asks Paul Mecray as he pats his briefcase full of nightly reading. Paul is managing director of a financial advisory firm, a leisurely 10-minute drive away. “I have spent my entire career analyzing the oil and gas industry… I am passionate about understanding things like productive capabilities of specific oilfields and the geo-politics of OPEC countries. It’s my hobby and my work wrapped into one.”

Heading off to work, Evelyn Rosen, PhD briskly walks out the door. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, she is an

Evelyn Rosen, PhD

energetic full-time professor of English at a local college. “I really resisted moving to Beaumont three years ago for fear of losing my independence,” she says. “But I actually feel more independent. Instead of the daily grind of working, shopping, cooking and cleaning, I have time to do the things I love. Everything is taken care of for me…great food, superb facilities and a wonderful staff. Sometimes I feel like I’m on vacation,” she adds with a smile.So what’s going on at Beaumont? A 2009 study by ASHA (American Senior Housing Association) found that the average age of new residents of CCRCs was 81. That’s certainly older and more “retired” than these vibrant professionals.

James Zug

As James Zug, another working resident, puts it, “We moved to Beaumont at the perfect time… while we were fully able to manage the move mentally and physically.” Jim retired from a ‘Big-4’ accounting firm when he was 60, moved to Beaumont at 72, and is fully engrossed in his encore career: angel investing in tech and pharma start-ups and serving on the boards of four major public companies.That’s more than a full day’s work; yet Jim says brightly, “Life is so much simpler now. And my wife and I didn’t lose anything…like control over our lives. Beaumont is resident- owned and resident-run, so you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want to be in decisions that affect you and the community.”

Margit Novack, expert on senior relocation and moving, echoes Jim’s sentiment. “The main reasons seniors wait too long to make the move are that they can’t let go of their “stuff” – the big house, the antiques, the mementoes – and they fear a loss of control. But doing nothing until age or events overtake you…that is a loss of control.”

Adolf “Dolf” Paier

Jim introduces Adolf (“Dolf”) Paier, who has a twinkle in his eye and a handshake that demands respect. Dolf has been a resident for a little over two years, “an escapee from the hassles of maintaining my old house,” he said. Dolf also started his career at a ‘Big-4’ accounting firm, but followed his entrepreneurial bent as President/COO of a large technology and healthcare incubator, CEO of an early stage medical software company, and now board member of a number of public companies. As a “side job”, he is chair of Beaumont’s finance committee “proud of our positive balance sheet” and board member and treasurer of a local arts university.“I like going to my office and interacting with other professionals… I call it being externally engaged while internally taken care of,” said Dolf. When asked what prompted his move to Beaumont, he smiles and says, “My wife. She was a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and insisted we move to a CCRC with a Nurse Practitioner on staff. For me, it’s Beaumont’s location, its non-institutional character and the fact that it is owned and run by residents.”

Granted, these “retired” professionals provide only a snapshot, but they exude energy worth bottling. They turn the old notions of retirement living upside down. As 7,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day and represent the leading edge of a senior population swell, will a working retirement become the new normal?

Mr. Paier’s words “externally engaged…internally taken care of ” perhaps sum it up best. Words to live by, regardless of age.

Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow. When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia with convenience to the cultural offerings of the city the choice was easy.

From Machu Picchu to Thailand, well-rounded travelers Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow.  When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia, however, they found a vibrant continuing care community nestled in 44 acres that would not only offer them a suburban-style setting with scenic views, but convenience to the cultural offerings of the city.

Both born in the Bronx, Marilyn and Bob became friends in their early teens. After attending City College for his undergraduate studies, Bob received his Masters in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. He also received a MBA from NYU, where Marilyn had gone for her undergraduate studies.

Having worked in the plastics industry and subsequently as a consultant, Bob decided to take a different career route and started teaching. He enrolled in a PhD business program at CUNY and started to teach at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Meanwhile, Marilyn stayed at home with their three sons and then she too went back to school to get her teaching certification.

With summers off, the couple bought a trailer and made two cross-country trips. “We went all over the country and into Canada,” said Bob. “The first time we went 13,000 miles and the second, we did 10,000.”

One of Marilyn’s favorite memories from these trips was when they went camping in Idaho, after seeing white water rafters on a cover of National Geographic. “It just looked so exciting,” she said. “So we got in touch with a guide and arranged for a side camping trip, spending five nights in the middle fork of the Salmon River with about 25 people and several rafts.”

When Bob finally received his Doctorate he accepted a position in the School of Business at Shippensburg University. When the couple moved to Shippensburg, Marilyn received her Masters Degree in Reading and worked as a reading specialist. Bob received a federal grant to initiate an international business program that included Asian languages and international business courses. Over the years, sabbaticals and presentations at conferences took them to Europe for extended visits.

The couple felt very fortunate when Bob taught at Prince of Songkla University in Southern Thailand. While he was teaching MBA students, Marilyn taught Conversational English to the faculty and staff as well as the local tourist police. “We were lucky to be asked back for a second time,” she said.

Due to business trips and their summers off from teaching, the couple has also enjoyed visits to Malaysia, China and to different parts of South America and Europe.
As much as they traveled, however, they loved returning home to Pennsylvania. “Our 21 years in a pastoral setting were truly a blessing. Country folk and Amish neighbors helped make it so,” said Marilyn.

As time passed, the Ackelsbergs moved to an active adult community where they lived for 12 years. Although their eldest son kept bringing up the idea of moving to Philadelphia to be near his family, the couple was happy with their lifestyle. That quickly changed, however, when he sent them an ad for Cathedral Village.
Two days later they were there visiting. Their decision to officially move to the community happened quickly.

“Sitting in the beautiful lobby, surrounded by plants, art, lovely flowers, and being greeted by so many friendly people, we felt that Cathedral Village would be the place even before we toured,” said Bob. “It was a very welcoming environment, very warm, just like home.”

Although they committed to visiting other communities, there was no doubt in their minds where they would ultimately spend their future. Now, after nearly a year at Cathedral Village, the Ackelsbergs could not be happier with their choice.

“It’s an atmosphere that’s so alive,” said Marilyn. “I’m now around people my age more than before and it’s more stimulating than when I was in an ordinary community!”

In fact, the couple loves taking advantage of Cathedral Village’s “College Classes,” fitness center and elaborate library while Marilyn participates in painting classes. They both sing with the Village Chorus, and are members of several resident committees. They also enjoy onsite musical performances, parties and lectures along with provided daytrips to theaters and museums in Philadelphia. Most importantly, they have the flexibility of seeing their family which now includes seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The Ackelsbergs have had no problems getting to know their fellow residents. “It seems like a large group of people, but you really feel like family,” said Bob.

This feeling not only applies to the residents, but to “the staff who are so responsive and supportive and responsible for keeping this place so wonderful,” said Marilyn. “Everyone cares about everyone and it’s a very comfortable place to be.”

The fact that Cathedral Village offers a continuum of care has always been an important aspect for the Ackelsbergs. “The quality of healthcare here is absolutely superb,” said Bob.

With access to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care onsite, residents have a sense of security and the convenience of even being able to receive assisted living services in the comforts of their apartments. A fully equipped medical department staffed with professional nurses is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and for routine checks, as well as onsite primary care physicians five days a week. There are also dozens of specialists, from podiatrists to optometrists, who visit Cathedral Village on a weekly basis. “We can be as active as we want knowing the care is there,” said Marilyn.

Given their passion for maintaining their land over the years, it comes as no surprise that among the couple’s favorite amenities at the community are its lavish gardens and greenhouse, which has a full time horticultural/therapist. The dedication of those who worked in the greenhouse, with the horticulturist, resulted in Cathedral Village winning a prestigious award at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.

“There are trees here that are well over a hundred years old and all well cared for,” said Marilyn. “Sometimes when I look out the window, I think I’m at an arboretum, it’s so beautiful. They designed the place so well, it’s extraordinary.”

Although they are no longer traveling, it may be safe to say that with these picture-perfect views, an extended family and a range of amenities and activities, the Ackelsbergs still have the world at their fingertips at Cathedral Village.

Perhaps Jan said it best as he stated with a smile, “I don’t live here…I’m on vacation here.”

That means a great deal coming from this world-rounded individual who was born in Indonesia and speaks Dutch, German and Malaysian. After serving in the Army, Jan eventually became a bank president and active stock investor.

With three children, Jan was married for 50 years before his wife’s passing. When he suffered a stroke, it was his son Elmer who helped move him from Florida to the nearby community.

Elmer’s wife, Mary Jo, said, “I set out on this mission to go to five assisted living facilities having never been to one. I stopped in Sunrise at Fox Hill first and immediately thought ‘I found it!’”

Although they did not look anywhere else, Mary Jo and Elmer are reminded of why it was the perfect decision as they have watched Jan thrive. The community’s focus on “life enrichment” consists of great programs, social connections and a well-trained staff that learns about each resident and what is best for him/her. This support has proven to have a positive effect on residents and is certainly evident in Jan’s situation.

“The people are the big difference with the level of attention and care they give,” said Elmer. “They actually thought they couldn’t have him here, but with the care he received, they got him back within weeks from a wheelchair to walking.”

Norman and Shirley Levin’s daughter, Faye, would have to agree saying her parents look the best they have in the past few years. Both Connecticut natives, the Levins moved to Brooklyn after Norman received his PhD and was offered a position at The City University of New York.

They eventually retired to Florida, but at their granddaughter’s graduation, Norman became ill and was hospitalized with his condition only worsening in a local nursing home.

“We knew then that I was no longer able to take care of him and that we had to make some choices for the future,” said Shirley.

In stepped Faye, who lived only two miles from Sunrise at Fox Hill. As a lawyer, she knew what details she needed to hear regarding the care of her father, so she proceeded to speak with staff, residents and families.

“This place is beautiful, but you don’t want to be taken in by that because it’s really only as good as the people who take care of you,” said Faye. “I sat here many days and watched the aides with the residents, and they were patient and sweet and answered my questions.”

As the community accommodated a quick move for Norman, Faye successfully moved her dad into Sunrise at Fox Hill and her mom into a nearby apartment over an eight-week period with the help of Transitional Assistance & Design, and it has all been uphill from there.

With the community’s comfortable atmosphere, Faye and her family are able to constantly visit as are Elmer and Mary Jo whose children will often come by with friends or to study. Though the roads that led Norman and Jan to Sunrise at Fox Hill are unique, their families can say with the excellent care and amenities of the community that it is exactly the right home for each of these men.

Before my association with OLLI, I did not reflect much on retirement. Neither of my parents lived long enough to retire. In my experience, retired people were “old.” They were individuals who, as a function of reaching a specific age, disappeared from the workplace, usually after a nice party. Now I belong to a community of almost 700 retirees who are anything but “old.” Over the next decade, things are going to get even more interesting; the Boomers are coming!

Seventy-six million individuals born between 1946 and 1964 will begin reaching their 60s next year. These individuals are, as a group, better educated than their parents. They will live longer and be more active. Life expectancy in the U.S. currently averages almost 77 years. The over 65 population is growing at a rate almost twice as fast as the rest of the population. In Fairfax County, individuals 65 and older will increase from 8.4 percent of the population in 2005 to 12.6 percent of the population in 2025. The term “young-old” is now being used to identify the blurring of chronological distinctions as the general health of these individuals improves.

However, many Boomers will not have the financial resources for full retirement and will have to either delay retirement or seek part-time employment. A significant number will have to deal with the return of adult children to the “nest” following divorce or job loss, raising children from second families, or caring for aging parents who themselves are living longer.

Learning in Retirement

In spite of the challenges faced by Boomers as they enter their sixties, a significant percentage of retirees will continue to seek out opportunities for socialization and intellectual growth. This demand is concurrent with the evolution of attitudes on aging. Not too many years ago, the general belief was that education was wasted on older adults. Now the prevailing view of “old” age is as a time of creativity and productivity.

Hand in hand with this attitudinal change has been the development of academic programming for senior learners. The Code of Virginia provides that, on a space available basis, Virginia residents sixty and older may register for and attend up to three non-credit continuing education courses per year.

Seniors and Baby Boomers will find a wide variety of educational opportunities available to them in the D.C. Metro region. These range from the craft and hobby courses available at most local senior centers to the certificate and degree programs offered at the region’s colleges and universities. While senior centers and community centers provide social opportunities, they often do not sponsor purely intellectual programming. College courses provide academic content, but without the social contact sought by the senior learner with individuals their own age.

Learning in Retirement Institutes (LRIs) provide a unique alternative for seniors seeking education and socialization in a single environment. Originated in the early 1960s, these organizations have proliferated nation-wide and have seen tremendous growth locally. Benefits for LRI members are myriad. LRIs contribute to personal growth, increased self-esteem, feelings of empowerment, and enhanced service and contribution opportunities according to research conducted by Charlene Martin in 2003.

The number of LRIs has grown to several hundred in the U.S. since their emergence in 1962. Unlike institutions of higher education, LRIs are member-driven organizations. They offer short courses, taught by volunteers, who are often members. Special events, travel opportunities, and social activities are the hallmark of many programs.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (GMU), OLLI for short, is one such LRI. Along with the programs at American University, in Arlington, and at Northern Virginia Community College, OLLI meets the needs of adult learners in the D.C. Metro Area. The OLLI at George Mason began life as an LRI in 1991. It received its first Bernard Osher Foundation funding in June 2004.

Bernard Osher, a California philanthropist who founded the Bernard Osher Foundation in 1977, conceived the idea of a nation-wide network of lifelong learning institutes. Since his first grant in 2001, Osher has funded over seventy institutes in 31 states and the District of Columbia, which bear his name. His goal is to fund at least one Institute in each state.

The normal Osher funding pattern is to make three sequential grants of $100,000 each, followed by the award of a $1 million endowment to those programs deemed to have long-term promise. The OLLI at George Mason University has received its endowment gift one year early. This award was made, in the words of the Osher Foundation, “because the progress you have made since receiving the initial support from the Foundation is seen as outstanding.”

The OLLI Program at GMU

The OLLI at George Mason, unlike most other LRIs, operates as a stand alone non-profit organization. Most other LRIs are components of university departments, most often Continuing Education. The OLLI at GMU has programs in two locations: its Tallwood Campus near George Mason, and a satellite location in Reston-Lake Anne. Plans are in the works to offer programming in conjunction with Fairfax County Community Centers. Offerings in adult residential communities and via distance learning technologies also are being studied.

Here at OLLI at GMU, we offers 26 weeks of programming a year divided into four terms: Winter (4 weeks), Spring (8 weeks), Summer (6 weeks) and Fall (8 weeks). Courses are offered in a variety of areas, including history, international studies, current events, languages, literature, art, drama, music, economics, finance, philosophy, ethics, religion, science, health, and technology. In a typical eight-week term, over sixty individual courses are offered, in addition to special events and clubs. Courses are taught by a combination of members, GMU faculty, and experts from the multitude of academic institutions and associations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Beginning in 2006, OLLI will offer a program of Friday informational sessions, movies, and other events. Our relationship with George Mason University also allows members access to a wide variety of intellectual and cultural offerings. Finally, like many LRIs, OLLI has begun an international travel program.

LRIs have a variety of pricing models. Some have a low registration fee and then charge by the course. A second model features one fee and then allows a member to take as many courses as he or she might wish. The OLLI at GMU follows this latter approach, with a fee of $290. OLLI members take, on average, five courses a term.

The Future of Lifelong Learning in the Northern Virginia Area

Individuals are living longer lives; they are healthier and more active than their parents. While many will have to continue to work in some manner, intellectual stimulation will be a goal, either in formal settings (schools, learning in retirement institutes) or through self-directed learning. Lifelong Learning Institutes, such as those in the Osher Network, are in a position to meet current needs, as well as to facilitate the effective utilization of technology to meet future needs.

In the near future, look for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University to offer more programming in satellite locations such as active adult, independent living, and retirement communities in Northern Virginia. In 2006, the Institute also will begin a series of studies to determine the market for and utility of affordable distance learning technologies to deliver educational materials to learners unable to participate in on-site programs. Finally, we will be seeking strategic alliances with community centers, libraries, public schools, and other involved local organizations to increase the efficiency of educational service delivery to senior residents.

Richard B. Chobot, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.