Senior Spotlight: Inspiring Industry Perspective

The future of senior living is turning to the hands of our youth.

The stigma stops here. Too often the senior living sector is talked about in terms of finding the good amidst the challenges. Much negativity surrounds the aging process in and of itself, and even more emotions and uncertainties are tied in to where and how we should live as we age. A recent article on Next Avenue shared how the new Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) Senior Living concentration being offered at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration (SHA) is ready to shape future generations to actualize aging  with positivity. The program offers a unique hybrid focus on real estate, hospitality & care. 

 

“It's vitally important to break stigmas that have instilled a deep-rooted fear of aging in our society. We can squash these stigmas and fears by encouraging youth to study and involve themselves in senior living. That will, in turn, breathe new life and ideas into the industry to serve current and future residents.”

 ~ Leora Lanz, Assistant Dean Of Academic Affairs, 

Boston University School Of Hospitality Administration


Next Avenue reveals that Boston University is one of the first higher educational institutions to recognize the importance of the senior living industry. Course electives (taught by actual industry professionals!) include The Business of Seniors Housing, Senior Living Operations, Clinical Practice With Older Adults and Monitoring the Resident Journey & Experience. Classes take place in both the schools of social work and public health as well as hospitality.


While the program attracts many recent graduates seeking a post-graduate field of study, there is also a part time MMH degree program for working professionals. The wellness-focused program strives to “cultivate responsible and resourceful hospitality leaders who can serve to enhance the quality of life for all of us and the future.” 


We are truly looking forward to seeing the first graduates of this program bring their education and inspiration to the senior sector, and hope that more colleges recognize that this field is ripe for proactive change!


Resources Used:

NEXT AVENUE: Why I'm Getting My Master's in Senior Living at 25

BOSTON UNIVERSITY: Senior Living Concentration—Master Of Management In Hospitality



Bobbi Decker
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