Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see a community where older adults feel they’re part of something bigger than themselves, in a place where they’re inspired to live their best lives every day, and with an overarching sense of social connection and belonging? And what if this type of community could be designed with affordability in mind? As it turns out, a retirement community like this is a rare find, and that’s exactly what we have in mind for Opus Newton, our newest 2Life Community under construction in Newton, MA.

The Power of Community

We’re rethinking the concept of retirement living to be more inclusive, more affordable and more exciting than you can imagine. The next generation of retirees are movers and shakers who thrive on having a purpose and getting things done. That’s exactly what we’re expanding here on the Opus Newton campus, alongside Coleman House, a 2life affordable living community. It’s a concept that’s gaining momentum with those who want to do retirement differently.

Being part of a community and connecting socially with others provides an array of benefits for older adults. Having a supportive network of neighbors and friends can make a difference in your health, happiness, and quality of life. And it’s no secret that where you live in retirement matters because your community and neighborhood can provide opportunities for healthy social engagement.

Looking for a more affordable retirement community in Massachusetts? Here’s a look at some of the ways we’re designing retirement living around community at Opus Newton:

Income-inclusive options:

Our partially refundable Community Share is similar to what many communities call an entrance fee. This is an upfront amount you could pay using proceeds from the sale of your home. You’ll also pay an affordable recurring monthly fee. In exchange, you receive a life lease for your apartment, and when you leave, your Community Share will be partially refundable to you or your estate. If you need assistance covering home care as you age, you can draw against the refundable portion of your Community Share.

Another unique aspect of Opus is the expectation that each resident will contribute to the greater good of the community as a volunteer, lending about 10 hours each month to making the community a more enriching, rewarding place to live — a masterpiece or, in musical terms, an opus.

Active adult living connected with the local community: Opus Newton is designed to build a sense of community and relationship building within our campus and extending to the greater community as well. Opus Newton’s location was chosen for its proximity to community centers like the Jewish Community Center Greater Boston (JCC), which offers a wealth of opportunities for wellness, lifelong learning and community involvement. Our community attracts active older adults who love the idea of getting involved in the community. You could kayak the Charles River with a group of friends, volunteer to teach a class at the community, or take a day trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Buildings designed to reduce environmental impact and maintenance cost: Opus Newton is being built for both economic and environmental sustainability. Some of the ways we’re doing that include building to LEED standards and embracing passive house design with eco-friendly features. Our community’s primary building faces south to increase natural sunlight and manage energy reliance, and building materials were specially selected for their low-embodied carbon design. Our goal is to invite residents to be stewards of our natural resources and become active partners in the community’s sustainability efforts.

Neighbors coming together to make their community better: Opus Newton is designed for those who want a purposeful retirement, and we offer a robust volunteer program to spark your interests. Through Opus Time, residents will volunteer 10 hours per month for a job that truly fits them, their interest, and their expertise! You could volunteer to teach a class, host a community breakfast or take a neighbor’s dog for a walk. All of these actions help further the goal of community engagement, which is a win-win for everyone!

Explore the Benefits of Vibrant Community Life at Opus Newton

We encourage you to learn more about our innovative senior living community under construction in Newton, MA. It’s a purpose-built community where you’ll be able to follow your passions and nurture your mind, body and spirit every day. Contact us to learn more about independent living at Opus Newton.