Every tuesday afternoon, a group of residents at Westminster Senior Living in Austin, Texas, gather at the bar for dinner and games. These individuals are former students of Austin High School, having graduated in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

The group calls itself ROOL, an acronym for "Rest of Our Lives". More than 50 Austin High alumni reside here, making up about 10% of the independent living residents. Martha Vertrees, class of 1948, is the longest-graduated member. Cynthia Leach, 77, from the class of 1966, is among the youngest.

The ROOL group at Westminster Senior Living, Texas, US. *Photo: BI*.

Westminster is a senior living community offering multiple levels of care. Healthy residents live in private apartments, maintain independent lives, and engage in community activities. As their health declines, they can transition to assisted living or memory care units.

Three years ago, Carlene Jenkins, 89, and her husband Robert, 90, sold their home and moved in. The Jenkins couple shared that they did not need to explore other facilities, as they frequently dined at Westminster and had many old friends already living there.

Among these friends is Russ Butler, 89, whom Jenkins had known since 6th grade, nearly 80 years ago. Both graduated in 1954. Mike Roche, 91, who graduated a year prior, also resides at Westminster. "We want to be back with our old friends," Butler stated.

Jenkins and Roche were both members of the school's cheerleading squad. More than 70 years later, Roche still possesses his high school uniform. The community is home to at least 10 other residents who were part of Austin High's long-standing spirit organization. Even those from different graduating classes connect through shared memories of the school.

After graduation, some maintained contact, while others drifted apart due to careers and family. Upon retirement, they gradually moved into Westminster, becoming neighbors once more.

In 2023, Cynthia Leach proposed an Austin High reunion at the senior living community. This annual event, held every march, gathers alumni from over 20 graduating classes. On reunion day, attendees don the school's traditional maroon and white attire, bring yearbooks, and sing the fight song.

Ruth Sunil, Westminster's Director of Community Life, mentioned that many residents anticipate this event throughout the year. The reunion helps them rekindle collective activities and bonds.

Beyond the annual gathering, the ROOL group holds weekly tuesday dinners. Individuals who had lost touch can now meet daily to reminisce about their school days.

For Jenkins, living among long-time acquaintances eased her transition from her private home, eliminating the need to establish new social connections.

"They are trusted friends you have cherished throughout your life," she remarked. She believes that while friends do not always need to be physically together, maintaining contact is essential for friendships to endure through life's various stages.

By Ngoc Ngan (Source: Business Insider)