At a Glance
Westover Retirement Community in Hamilton, Ohio, shares its campus with Colonial School, a preschool for children ages 3 to 5 that opened in 1984. Students regularly join the residents, affectionately known as Grandfriends, for exercise classes, story times, art projects and special celebrations. The friendships bring residents joy and help children feel at ease around older adults.
Independent living homes available now — schedule your visit
Little Neighbors, Big Smiles
At Westover Retirement Community, some of the best moments of the day happen when residents and their preschool neighbors get together. Right here on Westover’s grounds, Colonial School welcomes preschoolers, and every one of them gains a circle of “Grandfriends”: the Westover residents who share songs, stories, parades and plenty of hugs.
Very few senior living communities offer a preschool just steps from home. At Westover, it has been part of everyday life for more than 40 years. “Westover’s known for its family feel,” says Susan Pfaffinger, Director of Sales at Westover. “Having the children as part of our Westover community really adds to that.”
What Makes Westover an Intergenerational Retirement Community?
An intergenerational community brings older adults and young children together through regularly shared activities. Because Colonial School sits on the grounds of Westover, residents don’t have to drive anywhere or join a waiting list. The connection comes directly to them.
Visits are full of simple joys. Children and their Grandfriends gather for story times, create art projects and play games like shape bingo. They participate in chair exercises, sing-alongs and special celebrations. For Westover resident Sylvia Glazier, exercise time is a highlight. “It’s fun to exercise together,” she says. “They’re so nimble!”
“It’s so unique and wonderful,” shares Susan Costantino, Lifestyle Assistant at Westover, who also spent five-plus years as Colonial School’s administrative assistant. “Residents just light up when they see the children.”
How the Colonial School Story Began
Colonial School opened in 1984 in the basement of Westover. What started as a small program has grown over the years to serve thousands of children. Class after class, one thing has stayed the same: the friendships between the children and the people who call Westover home.
Today the story has come full circle. Several current students have parents who attended Colonial School, adding another generation to this intergenerational program.
Parades, Celebrations and Everyday Moments
The parades are a favorite for everyone involved. Children march through the community in costumes for the holidays, and pet parades bring even more smiles. Residents line the halls to wave, cheer and greet each child by name.
“The residents love seeing the children so excitedly skipping down the hall,” says Susan Pfaffinger, Director of Sales for Westover. Resident Marilyn Pennington agrees. “It really brightens my day when our preschool friends visit,” she says. “I love seeing them coming down the hall, especially wearing their little gym shoes that light up.”
The quieter moments matter just as much, and they don’t only happen during visits. “It’s wonderful to see them running and playing in the garden outside, enjoying our beautiful flower beds and water fountain,” Marilyn says. Sylvia and her husband especially enjoy watching the children at recess from their window. For Sylvia, seeing them play is a sweet trip back in time: “It reminds me of my own childhood.”
Growing Together at Every Age
These friendships work in both directions. “It’s wonderful for the residents and also great for the children,” says Susan Costantino, Lifestyle Assistant for Westover. For the children, regular time with Grandfriends builds patience with and respect for older adults. It also helps them feel comfortable around walkers and less nervous around people who communicate differently. Those are lessons that can stay with a child for life.
For residents, the benefits are just as real. A review in Aging and Health Research found that intergenerational programs help older adults form friendships, feel valued and stay connected to their community.
Sometimes the children say it best. Costantino’s favorite memory is of one young student who announced, after an afternoon with the Grandfriends, “This has been the best day ever!”
Why Choose Westover Retirement Community?
Choosing a retirement community is about more than a floor plan. It’s about the people you’ll see each day and the moments that make you smile. At Westover, those moments often arrive in light-up gym shoes, holding a crayon drawing.
The intergenerational program is just one part of a full, connected life at Westover. Homes are available now, and we would love to show you around. Plan your visit to Westover.
Published September 30, 2026
PHOTO GALLERY:
