New program brings university experience to Michigan senior living complex

When we look back at our lives, many of us cherish our school years, a time filled with intellectual exploration, social engagement and personal growth.

For older adults, the desire for lifelong learning does not fade with age.

Recognizing this, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) has launched an innovative program designed to bring the educational experience directly to its residents.

Called Live and Learn, the program was piloted at the Meer Apartments Independent Living community in West Bloomfield. It’s the first of its kind in the area, providing residents with college-level courses and immersive learning experiences, both on-site and off-site at museums, theaters and cultural institutions.

Nancy Siegel Heinrich, JSL’s CEO, originated the concept for Live and Learn. Inspired by senior living communities built near university campuses across the country, Heinrich sought to provide JSL residents with access to university-level intellectual enrichment. Instead of relocating an entire community near a university, she had a revelation: why not bring the university to the residents?

“We go to many trade association conferences on nonprofit senior living across the country, and there have been a few communities built on university campuses,” Heinrich said. “That was so appealing to me — having access to university coursework, the intellectual atmosphere, and actual classes. But then it dawned on me — such a simple idea — why not bring university coursework to our campus?”

Determined to make this vision a reality, Heinrich hired Wendy Handler, an expert in senior coursework programming who had previously worked in New York City. Together, they partnered with Oakland University, where OU President Ora Pescovitz immediately embraced the concept. With funding secured from the Byron and Dorothy Gerson Innovation Fund, the Marcia Applebaum Jewish Older Adult Enrichment Fund and the Matthews Family Foundation, the Live and Learn program was officially launched.

The Live and Learn experience

At the heart of the program is a diverse curriculum that goes beyond traditional older adult education. While many similar programs focus on topics specifically tailored for seniors, JSL wanted Live and Learn to offer a broad and stimulating range of subjects, engaging participants on a deeper intellectual level.

Courses have included:

• “American Political Institutions: Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court”

• “A History of American Musical Theater”

• “La Traviata: Opera at Its Finest”

• “Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence (But Were Afraid to Ask)”

• “Make ‘Em Laugh: A History of Movie Comedy from Charlie Chaplin to Mel Brooks”

The program also has incorporated immersive learning experiences, such as off-site visits to museums, theaters and historical sites, which enhance the overall educational journey.

The impact of Live and Learn has exceeded expectations, with more than 100 residents participating to date. The program has reinvigorated social connections and intellectual engagement, creating a vibrant learning community within Meer Apartments, organizers said.

Residents have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm:

• “This has been among the best experiences of my life.”

• “My heart and brain are so happy.”

• “You’re never too old to learn.”

• “These classes made me feel alive again. It’s so wonderful to be part of a large group of older people taking such stimulating adult classes. I don’t feel like an elderly person anymore.”

“The program is more than just a series of classes; it fosters a renewed sense of purpose and joy,” Heinrich said. “I asked myself, ‘What would make me excited to go to senior living, rather than feeling like I don’t have a choice?’ All I could think of was my college days — how fun it was to live with people who were all learning together.”

The benefits of lifelong learning for older adults

Scientific studies support the importance of intellectual engagement in aging populations. Research suggests that keeping the mind active with new ideas helps improve cognitive function, promotes emotional well-being and enhances longevity.

• A study published in Neurology found that people who engaged in cognitive activities throughout life had a 32% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who didn’t.

• The National Institute on Aging supports research showing that mentally stimulating activities, like taking classes, help preserve memory and critical thinking skills.

• A 2020 study in The Lancet found that higher levels of education and continued learning in older adults reduced the risk of dementia by 8% to 10%.

• The Rush Memory and Aging Project reported that seniors engaged in regular learning activities had a 47% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

• The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that strong social connections, like those fostered in educational programs, are key to a longer, healthier life.

• Engaging in new learning activities has been linked to better sleep patterns, reduced stress levels and lower rates of depression.

“We know that engaging with new subjects in group settings helps older adults rediscover passions, find fulfillment and reawaken a sense of purpose,” Heinrich said. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on personal life experiences while engaging in new ideas that foster deeper self-discovery.”

A model for the future

While Live and Learn is currently being piloted at Meer Apartments, JSL hopes to expand the program to its other five residential communities in the near future.

“We want to make sure that this is something special for our residents,” Heinrich said. “At the same time, our mission is to nurture a sense of community and enrich the lives of older adults, which means creating connections beyond our immediate environment.”

Although Oakland University has been the primary academic partner, JSL is open to collaborations with professors from various institutions, ensuring a continually evolving and dynamic curriculum.

One of the most cherished aspects of Live and Learn has been the graduation ceremony held at the end of each semester. While there are no tests or degrees, the symbolic event celebrates the dedication and achievements of the residents.

The overwhelming success of Live and Learn underscores the growing demand for innovative educational programs in senior living communities. As the baby boomer generation continues to redefine aging, initiatives like Live and Learn will likely become a model for the future.

“We are just at the beginning,” Heinrich said. “The response has been incredible and we are excited to see how the program evolves.”