When Dr. Gordon Streib, a sociology professor at the University of Florida, first pitched the idea of sponsoring a retirement community on the UF campus in 1997, it was understandably met with skepticism by the University leadership. It would seem difficult for the late-night lifestyles of college students and the generally more peaceful temperaments of senior citizens to coexist. Nearly 10 years after the retirement community opened its doors in 2004, however, the establishment of the Oak Hammock Retirement Home has proven to be such a resounding success that there is already a waiting list to get in.

The reason for the success, according to Streib, is the access that the college provides to lifelong learning activities and opportunities to be physically active. Living on campus gives seniors access to the college library, sporting and performance arts events, and many other amenities. Oak Hammock residents are also allowed to sit in on classes and lectures or can volunteer to mentor students themselves. Classes taught by UF professors are also offered through the Institute for Learning in Retirement, a joint venture between Oak Hammock, the University of Florida, and the nonprofit Elderhostel.

The university benefits from the partnership in many ways as well. The College of Health and Human Performance at UF runs and maintains Oak Hammock’s state-of-the-art fitness center, while the College of Dentistry staffs an on-site dentist office. The College Medicine and the College of Pharmacy also have practicing facilities on the Oak Hammock campus.

Oak Hammock is a unique retirement community that illustrates how a university can improve their relationship with the community in a meaningful way. The college students benefit by getting the opportunity to interact with older members of the community while the retirees get the chance to continue their lifelong education in a beautiful, engaging environment.

For more information: http://www.oakhammock.org/