Living and learning in retirement

Harry and Ellen Heckendorf, who celebrated their 66th anniversary this month, want to stay active in their retirement.

That's one reason why they decided to move to University Village, a new retirement community that opened this month across the street from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

Ellen said she's looking forward to attending concerts at CLU and maybe some classes occasionally.

"This is wonderful, not only for the people here who can go over there for the attractions — seminars, whatever — but also for the students who can come over here and maybe work," she said.

University Village is not affiliated with CLU but reflects a national movement toward building retirement communities near universities. The communities are popular because they respond to another national trend — the growing popularity of lifelong learning among baby boomers, said Dave Robertson, past chairman of the American Association of Retirement Communities.

"Intellectual stimulation, as well as recreation, are important to us," Robertson said. "Universities, colleges, community colleges are all places that have become amenities for retired boomers."

Both seniors and universities benefit from being near each other, said CLU Provost Chris Kimball.

Seniors can take classes, walk to concerts and lectures, take advantage of the athletic facilities, and enjoy the company of younger people, he said.

The university, meanwhile, enjoys a wealth of mentors right next door — former professors, industry leaders and others who can enrich the education of younger students.

The University Retirement Community at Davis opened eight years ago, after a group of local residents affiliated with UC Davis came up with the idea.

The community's 350 residents can audit classes for free and take advantage of concerts at the nearby Mondavi Center, said Mike Morris, executive administrator.

"Having the university here — the culture and the arts — is definitely a draw," Morris said. "The university is a real benefit to lifelong learning."

University Village, being built on 65 acres once owned by CLU, includes 367 villa and apartment homes offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing.

Residents pay a monthly fee that ranges from about $2,500 to $4,000 and covers medical care and other services.

"We're anxious to have a relationship with CLU," village Vice President Warren Spieker said. "It's not hard to imagine a day when our residents will go over at 3 p.m. to audit a class, then at 5 p.m. watch a soccer game. ... I imagine their Shakespeare festival will be a lot fuller."

As residents continue moving in, the retirement community and CLU are working out details of how they will enroll for classes and what privileges they will enjoy on campus, Kimball said.

"There will be opportunities for the residents to take classes here," Kimball said. "That in itself is a wonderful enhancement to the classroom. There may be occasional culture clashes there, but it's a wonderful opportunity to learn."