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Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education |
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Editor’s Note: This issue of Next Life Chapter News highlights intergenerational programs and the upcoming Retirement Planning Series. Remember that you can access and print any current or past newsletter on the website. |
Issue Highlights
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Retirement Organization News
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Later Life Resources & Issues
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President's Message
Cherie Hamilton |
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Dear AROHE Members,
This month, our editor has invited AROHE members to share their experiences with launching Intergenerational learning programs and the benefits these initiatives have brought to their institutions. Many members of the AROHE family have already embarked on this rewarding journey, developing creative ways to connect retired organization members with college students in meaningful, mutually enriching ways.
For those institutions that have not yet explored this opportunity, I encourage you to read this month's submitted articles and discover how these programs have transformed learning communities. Both older adults and students have learned from one another, gaining insight into each other's lifestyles, perspectives, and histories. These exchanges build understanding and respect across generations while reinforcing the shared value of education as a lifelong pursuit.
As these articles will outline, Intergenerational Learning programs have been shown to enhance community connection, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. They strengthen the sense of belonging within institutions and promote cross-generational mentorship. And create new pathways for collaboration between academic and life experiences. They often improve student engagement, increase retention, and foster purpose and social well-being among retirees.
Intergenerational Learning bridges age gaps and unites us in the spirit of curiosity and contribution—a reminder that knowledge is best shared and that every generation has something valuable to teach and meaningful to learn.
Wishing everyone a 'Happy Thanksgiving'.
Cherie Hamilton
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Connections & Conversations: Notes from Valerie
Over the past two months, I’ve been inspired by the connections and conversations we’ve shared. A special thank you to the University of Nebraska for leading the way in book recommendations for our new Member Recommended Bookshelf. I can’t wait to dive into A Million Dollar View! If you have a recommendation, please submit it here; we’ll be featuring one in every newsletter. Please visit our bookstore to see more.
Our Estate Planning Series was also very well received. Thank you to everyone who participated. You can find all recordings and resources on our website for continued learning.
Finally, I’m thrilled to share that we’ve made tremendous progress on our upcoming in-person conference, where we’ll gather around the theme "The Joy of Connection: Wellness, Wisdom, and Wonder." It’s exciting to see this vision coming to life, and I can’t wait to welcome you all there.
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Answer from our last Quick Poll:
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Idea Exchange: Community Building Through Shared Writing Groups
Thursday, November 13, 2025
3-4:30 PM EST, 2-3:30 PM CDT, 1-2:30-MST,12-1:30 PM PST
- Debbie Jackson, Director, Clemson University Emeritus College
- Marilyn DeLong, President, University of Minnesota Women’s Club and Leader, Creative Writing Circle
- Cecil Huey, Past Chair, Clemson Emeritus College Advisory Board, and active member of writing groups: Memoir Writing and Moments and Memories at Clemson Emeritus College.
In this panel discussion, you will learn about the critical role of Community Building in Retirement Organizations, led by Dr. Debbie Jackson. She will share successful community-building strategies for the Clemson Emeritus College.
Marilyn DeLong will share the history of the very successful Women’s Club and the Creative Writing Circle at the University of Minnesota, a storied community-building effort that has brought women together through shared writing experiences.
Cecil Huey will share his own experiences as an author and leader in two writing groups at the Emeritus College at Clemson. A noted and creative writer, Cecil will describe ways to build relationships and to foster a sense of belonging through shared writing groups.
An open discussion and idea exchange will follow, so please join with your ideas and questions.
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Travel Opportunities with AROHE
We are so happy to partner with Road Scholar to offer the following exclusive educational adventures to New York City and Cuba for retired and current college and university faculty, staff, and their friends and family.
Program # 23029 – New York City at a Slower Pace: The Best of the Big Apple from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 7, 2026.
Join your fellow AROHE Members as you discover the best of the "Big Apple," exploring the city at your own pace. Walk in the footsteps of millions of migrants at Liberty and Ellis Islands, and learn their stories at the Immigration Museum. While visiting Rockefeller Center, stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a symbol of the successful assimilation of New York's Irish population, on fashionable Fifth Avenue. Deadline to enroll is December 2, 2025
To learn more or to enroll in the New York City program, please click the link.
Program # 22461 – Cuba Today: Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad from Saturday, October 31 to Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Welcome to Cuba: A mosaic of colorful buildings and diverse locals that come together to form a country rich in history, culture, and art. On a special journey with your colleagues that begins and ends in Havana, you will connect with entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, religious institutions, and business leaders while learning about their lives. Alongside Cuban hosts, learn about U.S.-Cuba relations as you explore the vibrant cities that make this country so unique. Deadline to enroll is February 28, 2026
To learn more or enroll in this Cuba adventure, click the link
Road Scholar has carefully curated these programs to provide you with the opportunity to learn new things, share insights with your colleagues from across the country, and have a whole lot of fun with fellow AROHE Members
We look forward to traveling with you! |
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Fall 2026 Conference Update!
The 2026 AROHE Conference marks our long-awaited return to an in-person gathering in Gainesville, Florida, and we are thrilled to reconnect face-to-face. Our theme, The Joy of Connection: Wellness, Wisdom, and Wonder, highlights the community spirit that has always been central to AROHE.
Together, we will explore how wellness fosters vibrant living, how wisdom enhances our organizations and communities, and how wonder sparks creativity and new possibilities in retirement and beyond. Most importantly, this conference focuses on connection—bringing colleagues, friends, and new partners together to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and envision the future of retirement organizations in higher education.
After years apart, we eagerly anticipate the energy, insight, and joy that only an in-person gathering can bring. Save the Date: October 6th-8th, 2026 |
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Retirement Organization News |
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Camp I-Rock Summer Reading Program – Clemson University
The Pickens County, South Carolina, Camp I-Rock Summer Reading Program operates under the auspices of the United Way. Members of Clemson University Emeritus College volunteer as “reading buddies” with young students who are not reading on grade level. The students range from pre-K4 to second grade. Reading sessions last 15-20 minutes twice a week in June.
When the senior volunteer reading buddy arrives, the student selects a book to read, then meets one-on-one. In some cases, the students change from session to session, but I prefer to read with the same ones so I can gauge their progress over time. Some of my readers choose the same book — often an easy one — but I encourage them to select different ones, especially those that challenge them.
Reading Buddies has proven highly successful, as nearly all participants graduate from high school reading at grade level. It is a highly satisfying experience for older adults, and an excellent example of how younger and older generations can connect positively. Contact Stephen H. Wainscott at shwns@clemson.edu for more information.
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The Living History Project: Preserving Stories, Inspiring Futures - Santa Clara University
The Living History Project at Santa Clara University connects undergraduate gerontology minors with retired faculty to record and preserve the personal and professional stories that have shaped the University’s history. Established in 2024, the project documents the experiences of retired faculty while offering students a firsthand understanding of aging, purpose, and the evolving culture of higher education.
Students receive training in interview ethics, qualitative research, and narrative analysis before conducting semi-structured interviews that explore reflections on teaching, scholarship, and life transitions. Retired faculty describe the conversations with undergraduates as both enjoyable and meaningful, an opportunity to reflect on their careers, reconnect with the University, and share insights with a new generation. Many appreciated listening to other interviews as well, finding community and continuity in hearing the voices of colleagues who also shaped SCU’s past.
Each interview is professionally archived in Santa Clara University’s digital repository, ensuring these stories remain part of the institution’s collective memory. The archive provides a lasting resource for students, scholars, and alumni to learn from the experiences and wisdom of those who came before them.
Grounded in the Ignatian ideal of experiential learning, the Living History Project -- https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/living_history/ -- celebrates intergenerational connection, honors lives of purpose and service, and preserves the legacy of those who built SCU’s past while inspiring its future. Contact Patti Simone (psimone@scu.edu) for more information.
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Association Multigenerational Involvement - Arizona State Retirees Association - Scholarship Program Twenty-five years ago, the Arizona State University Retirees Association (ASURA) established an annual $10,000 scholarship for a student returning to school after working for 5 or more years. A Scholarship Committee, comprised of member volunteers, was organized and worked in partnership with the ASU Scholarship Office. Each spring, this committee reviews applications and selects a recipient. The applicant pool is diverse. The scholarship has been awarded to “twenty-somethings” and students in their fifties. The committee always faces the challenge of reviewing compelling essays about the current challenges of obtaining an education. The organization has always been fortunate to have a dedicated and vibrant committee that responds with care and in a timely manner. During the year, the committee chair maintains contact with the scholarship recipient and reports to the membership about the student’s experience. The recipient speaks at an annual ASURA event, discussing their educational journey and the role the funding played. Following the presentation, there is always a lively interchange between the student and the membership. This has been an excellent way for retirees to stay in touch with the current student population and the rewards and challenges they face in obtaining their undergraduate degree. Written by Jan Shore, ASURA Scholarship Committee Chair. For any follow-up, contact Patricia M. Schneider at pms0627@gmail.com.
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All Ears Friendship Bench Program - Arizona State University
The All Ears Friendship Bench Program provides ASU students with a listening ear—someone to connect and talk with. The program offers a welcoming space on campus where students can share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with compassionate, trained volunteer listeners.
An initiative of ASU Chief Wellness Officer and Edson College Dean Judith Karshmer, the program was envisioned to combat isolation and loneliness by fostering student connection and belonging.
Friendship benches are staffed by older adults who bring life experience, empathy, and understanding to every conversation. Whatever your challenge, they look forward to talking with you. To learn more, go to All Ears Friendship Bench Program | Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
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Later Life Resources and Issues
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Generations United
The mission of Generations United is to improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs for the enduring benefit of all. Founded in 1986 by leaders at the National Council on Aging, Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, and AARP, Generations United’s work inspires, empowers, advocates, and engages. We work to create a country where public policy and programs connect generations instead of separating or isolating them, and where the oldest and youngest members of our society work together to achieve transformational change.
To reach this goal, Generations United works with our member organizations, partners, and stakeholders in the following areas of focus: Grandfamilies, Community Building, and Intergenerational Programs and spaces. Learn more at Generations United.
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CoGenerate - Older and Younger Generations Together
We’re living in the most age-diverse society in human history — and one of the most age-segregated. We’re missing out on the complementary skills and talents people of all ages can bring to the table, the power and energy they can create, the divides they can bridge, and the communities and country they can build together. No more. At CoGenerate, we envision a world where older and younger people join forces to solve problems, bridge divides, and co-create the future. Homepage - CoGenerate
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Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is here! From October 15 to December 7, you can make unrestricted changes to your Medicare coverage options for 2026. This is your chance to:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Choose a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Add or change your Part D or Medigap policy
The Medicare Rights Center’s updated resource, Your Guide to Medicare Open Enrollment, can help you understand your options and feel confident about your enrollment choices. It explains upcoming changes to Medicare, shares expert advice from our counselors, and helps you avoid confusing or misleading marketing.
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Ken Dychtwald's Future Vision of Health, Aging, and Longevity
Due to rising longevity, declining fertility, and the aging of the massive baby boom, every dimension of health and healthcare – as well as aging and longevity – is being challenged. Without fresh thinking and innovative new solutions, the ensuing age wave could cause: a misalignment of many aspects of society, from pensions to playgrounds; pandemics of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s; and a gerontocracy that could spark political age wars.
In the recent keynote session at USAging’s 50th Annual Answers on Aging Conference, Ken Dychtwald outlined the five “grand challenges” needed to avert these potential tragedies. By doing so, we can align our health and brain spans with our lifespans, safeguard lifelong financial security for all generations, activate a non-ageist longevity marketplace, and provide a 21st-century purpose for modern elders. To watch the presentation, go to https://vimeo.com/1109484019?share=copy
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Publications of Note
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An AROHE member recommendation, A Million Dollar View, is a funny, family-friendly debut novel
Bob had big international ambitions, but he’s rooted on a Nebraska farm—though not as a farmer. His dreams unfulfilled, he struggles to find a sense of belonging. Juggling multiple jobs and a bed and breakfast primarily held together by his wife, Bob feels adrift. When an astronomy professor stays at the B&B, he begins to question his place in the universe.
Howard C. Sanford retired from the University of Nebraska |
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The Aging of America will reshape how we live and will transform nearly every aspect of contemporary society. Renowned life course sociologist Deborah Carr provides a lively, nuanced, and timely portrait of aging in the United States. The US population is older than ever before, raising new challenges for families, caregivers, health care systems, and social programs like Social Security and Medicare. Deborah Carr is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Innovation in Social Science at Boston University. |
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The oldest members of Gen X are less than a decade from retirement age, but many of the sixty-four million Americans born between 1965 and 1980 are not sufficiently prepared. While it might be easy to label Gen Xers as slackers, several underlying economic issues make it harder for this cohort to save for retirement. Company-funded pensions vanished just as Gen X started working, 401(k)s were less widespread for much of their early working years, and multiple financial crises have disrupted Gen X's earnings throughout their working lives. Retirement Bites is a retirement playbook explicitly targeting this overlooked generation. |
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Despite the abundance of retirement communities in the US, none compares to The Villages in Central Florida. Home to nearly 150,000 residents and spanning an area larger than Manhattan, it is the world's largest retirement community and the only one that can be considered a city for older adults. Seniorland unveils how The Villages' unique characteristics profoundly impact residents' well-being and offers a glance into the future of old age. Galit Nimrod, Ph.D., Professor, Communications Studies, Ben Gurion University of the Negev |
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AROHE members are encouraged to submit stories that reflect activities, news and events from your retirement organization and campus that highlight the value retirees bring to their colleges and universities.
The January issue of AROHE Matters will focus on how retirement organizations support retirement planning - especially non-financial aspects to help colleagues chart their next chapter in life, build connections, and establish partnerships with administration and human resources.
Articles are limited to 250 words. A relevant picture (jpeg or png) and web links are valued additions to any article.
Share your story for the January issue of AROHE Matters by Dec. 12, 2025, to Patrick Cullinane, editor, at pcullinane@berkeley.edu
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Come Join Us in Transforming Retirement |
Since 2002 AROHE has supported both institutions and individuals by transforming the experience of retirement – the preparation, the transition, and post-retirement programming – into a smooth and productive life-course change.
To renew, join or learn more, visit arohe.org or contact AROHE by emailing info@arohe.org. |
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AROHE's mantra is "Transforming Retirement."
At AROHE, we know that higher education retirees are assets of society who reinvent, NOT retire from, life; positively impact their communities; and contribute to the greater good.
AROHE champions transformative practices to support all stages of faculty and staff retirement, their mutually beneficial engagement, and continuing contributions to their academic institutions. By sharing research, innovative ideas, and successful practices, AROHE emphasizes the development and enhancement of campus-based retiree organizations and programs which support this continuing engagement in higher education.
Privacy policy: AROHE will never sell or give your personal information to sponsors or partners without your expressed permission. This permission is typically done as a part of an event registration where members and registrants "opt in" to receive email notices from a partner or sponsor. In this case a member or registrant's email address is provided to the sponsor or partner.
Copyright © 2020 AROHE. All rights reserved.
Contact email: info@arohe.org
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