Action Plan & Implementation
The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Assessment identified opportunities to strengthen age inclusivity across UCalgary. In response, the Centre on Aging developed the AFU Action Plan, a roadmap for creating a more age-friendly institution through coordinated action across key areas of activity.
The Action Plan outlines 10 goals that support a university where people of all ages can learn, work, contribute, and thrive. Together, these goals provide a framework for increasing awareness of an aging society, strengthening education and research related to aging, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive multigenerational campus.
- The campus and broader community have an increased awareness and understanding of an Age-Friendly University.
- Age (social identity) and ageism (bias) are acknowledged in the institution’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility plans and activities.
- Students have greater opportunities to learn about topics related to aging and older adults.
- Students experience more positive interactions with older persons through their education.
- Aging research is prioritized and supported at an institutional level.
- Aging research is prioritized and supported within relevant faculties and departments.
- Aging education and research are informed by the needs and interests of seniors-serving organizations and older adults.
- Recruitment and orientation practices for adult students (age 21+) and older students (age 50+) are improved.
- Older employees are valued and treated equitably.
- Employees and students who are caregivers of aging parents or family members, or the primary caregiver or guardian for children, are supported.
Implementing the Action Plan
The initiatives below demonstrate how the AFU Action Plan goals are being put into action across UCalgary. They showcase current and completed efforts led by the Centre on Aging and its campus partners to advance age inclusivity across education, research, campus activities, and institutional culture and practices.
As implementation continues, new initiatives will be added to this page.
In Progress (AFU Goals: All)
AFU Resources & Opportunities
This resource hub provides faculty, staff, students, and campus partners with practical guidance and opportunities to support the implementation of AFU principles across UCalgary.
In Progress (AFU Goals: 3 & 4)
Undergraduate Aging Education
This project is assessing aging-related learning opportunities across UCalgary undergraduate programs to identify ways to better prepare students for an aging society.
In Progress (AFU Goals: 5, 6, & 7)
Partnerships in Frailty Research
This project is developing practical guidance to help researchers meaningfully engage older adults living with frailty as research partners and support more inclusive aging research.