An intergenerational Spanish class at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts.
Photographer: Sophie Park/BloombergBaby Boomers Now Live Next to 18-Year-Olds at Colleges Across US
At a time of dwindling US student enrollment, tight school finances and a rapidly aging population, the unusual mashup of schools and senior living is gaining wider appeal.
On a Monday afternoon last spring at Lasell University, students wrapped up their final beginner Spanish class of the semester. Pairing up, they drilled each other on their names, favorite foods and hobbies.
It was a routine conversation for Sara Leclair and Mandy Waddell, until Leclair, a 20-year-old sophomore, asked her partner, “Cuantos años tienes?” How old are you?