Assessing UCalgary’s Age-Friendliness
In 2022-23, the Centre on Aging conducted a university-wide assessment to better understand UCalgary's age-friendliness and identify opportunities to strengthen its Age-Friendly University (AFU) efforts.
The assessment examined both existing age-friendly practices and environmental features across campus, as well as awareness and perceptions of age-friendliness and age inclusivity. Administrators contributed to an inventory, while 1,953 faculty, staff, and students participated in a campus-wide survey.
The findings provided a snapshot of UCalgary's strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth. They informed the development of the AFU Action Plan and continue to guide efforts to advance age-friendliness across the institution.
Findings at a Glance
The assessment found that UCalgary demonstrated many characteristics of an AFU and had a strong foundation on which to build. While many age-friendly practices and features were already in place, the findings also highlighted opportunities to increase awareness, strengthen age-inclusive practices, and further integrate aging perspectives across the institution.
Several strengths emerged from the assessment, including academic and career services for students of all ages, retirement planning supports for employees, engagement opportunities for retirees, events and activities for the public, generally positive attitudes toward age diversity, and age-friendly features within the campus environment.
The assessment also revealed several areas where age-friendliness could be further advanced. The greatest opportunities for improvement were identified in the following domains:
Key Findings
The assessment identified important insights related to awareness of the AFU initiative as well as perceptions of age-friendliness, age diversity, and ageism. Key findings are presented below.
Awareness of AFU Status
Despite UCalgary's membership in the AFU Global Network, awareness of the University's AFU designation was low among survey participants.
Familiarity with AFU Concept
Approximately one-third of participants reported being slightly or moderately familiar with the concept of an AFU, while few indicated being very or extremely familiar.
Perceptions of Overall Age-Friendliness
Although most age-friendly practices and environmental features assessed were present at the University, only one-quarter to one-half of participants perceived UCalgary as age-friendly.
Perceived Benefits of Age Diversity
Most participants believed that increasing the number of adult and older students would benefit the University. However, fewer participants recognized the benefits of having more older faculty and staff members.
Note: Adult students are those aged 21+ at the start of their undergraduate program. Older students are those aged 50+.
Perceptions of Ageism
Most participants viewed ageism toward older adults as a serious societal issue. In contrast, fewer than one-third perceived ageism to be a problem at UCalgary.
Assessment Reports & Resources
The assessment findings were shared through various resources to support planning, decision-making, and action across the University.
Report
Provides detailed information about the assessment methodology and findings.
Summary
Provides a high-level overview of the assessment process and key findings.
Domain-Specific Summaries
To support action across different areas of the University, assessment findings were organized into domain-specific summaries. These resources highlight key findings, identify opportunities for improvement, and connect assessment results to the goals outlined in the AFU Action Plan.
Academic publications related to the assessment:
Zimmer, C., Goerzen, M., Hogan, D. B., & Toohey, A. M. (2024). An environmental scan of methods for assessing age-friendliness in post-secondary institutions. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 45(1), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2022.2143358
Zimmer, C., Morrison, L., Goerzen, M., Hogan, D. B., Toohey, A. M., Hewson, J., McDonough, M. H., & McGhan, G. (2026). Using the age-friendly inventory and campus climate survey at a Canadian university: Process and outcomes. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 47(2), 198-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2025.2470471
From Assessment to Action
The assessment provided an evidence-informed understanding of UCalgary's strengths and opportunities as an age-friendly institution. The findings directly informed the development of the AFU Action Plan, which outlines 10 goals for advancing age-friendliness across the University's core areas of activity.
Since the assessment was completed, the Centre on Aging has been working with campus units and members to implement these priorities and strengthen age inclusivity across the institution.
Explore the AFU Action Plan & Implementation page to learn how assessment findings were translated into goals, initiatives, and ongoing efforts to create a more age-inclusive campus for people of all ages.