Abstract: Population ageing combined with the increasing urbanisation present challenges for Australian cities. In response government policy has shifted towards supporting seniors to remain independent and in good health for as long as possible in the attempt to reduce welfare demand as the number of seniors eligible for aged care is set to increase. Modifying the city to enable this adjustment is critical if the benefits promised by this shift in policy are to be delivered. This paper presents the interim findings of a study investigating senior persons’ engagement with Australian universities. It reveals how, through engaging with a university, seniors are implementing a form of pro-active coping helping them to age positively. Ageing positively being the ability to maintain a low risk of disease and disease-related disability, high level of physical and mental functioning, and importantly, active engagement with life. Using mixed methods including an audit of Australian university websites and multiple case studies, the types of activities attracting seniors to participate with a university are identified. Participant interviews provide insight into seniors’ motivations and their patterns of engagement within the campus setting. The findings suggest that recreation and volunteering preferences of older persons may be changing. The qualities of the campus environment are also emerging as an important attraction encouraging senior participation. In contrast to settings more typically associated with older persons, the campus is markedly different and again challenges assumptions about the types of environments seniors prefer.