By David Nathan

Yes, their professional careers have ended. But it would be wholly inaccurate to refer to onetime high school principal Jennifer Huntington or former clinical educator Caroline Schastny as retired — or retiring.

Like nearly all of their approximately 250 peers at Lasell Village, the 80-somethings lead stimulating, fulfilling lives and pack their days full of their four C’s (classes, committees, clubs, and concerts) guided by an adherence to their three L’s (living, learning, and laughing).

“I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” says Schastny, who moved into the Village in 2010 and serves as resident representative on its board of trustees.

For Huntington, a winter bout with COVID-19 reminded her of the caring, supportive nature of the Village community. Friends and neighbors frequently checked in on her and welcomed her return. “This is a special place,” adds Huntington, a Village resident since 2020.

For Huntington and Schastny, what makes Lasell Village different from other senior independent living communities is the requirement to dedicate 450 hours a year to lifelong learning, the proximity to the University, and the intergenerational experience.

In a mutually beneficial arrangement, Village residents can learn beside Lasell students in classes offered by the University, interact with them at meals, and join a variety of celebrations and other campus-wide activities.

“We learn from the students and the students learn from us,” Huntington says. “They get to see and understand that life doesn’t end when you get gray hair.”

Huntington and Schastny also serve as ex-officio members of the Student Government Association. They have collaborated with the students to organize an intergenerational trivia night, and career readiness and job interview seminars.

“Being with the students gives Villagers a sense that life is not over, that they have something to give, and adds a dimension to their lives,” Schastny says. “The students are the future.”