Undergraduate Aging Education Review

Illustration of a book

Project Information

Status: In progress
Lead: Centre on Aging
Timeline: 2025-27
AFU Action Plan Contribution: Goals 3 & 4

As Canada's population ages, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand the aging process and the experiences of older adults. The Undergraduate Aging Education Review is determining the aging-related knowledge and skills that undergraduate students should develop and assessing how these competencies are reflected in undergraduate programs across UCalgary. The findings will be used to identify opportunities to strengthen aging-related education across disciplines and better prepare graduates to succeed in an aging society.

Why This Matters

Age-friendly universities support learning that prepares students for an aging world. Regardless of their profession, students will encounter aging-related issues throughout their careers and communities. This project advances age-inclusive education by identifying opportunities to strengthen students' understanding of aging and older adults.

Project Approach

Phase 1: Framework Development

Status: Completed

Phase 1 focused on developing two evidence-informed competency frameworks for:

  • Healthcare disciplines (medicine, nursing)
  • Non-healthcare disciplines (architecture, arts, community health sciences, community rehabilitation, engineering, kinesiology, science, social work)

The frameworks identify foundational aging-related knowledge and skills relevant to undergraduate students. They were developed through a modified Delphi process involving experts in aging and curriculum development.

Phase 2: Curriculum Review

Status: In Progress

Phase 2 involves piloting the curriculum review process in selected faculties and departments. Participating programs will be evaluated against the appropriate framework to assess the extent to which aging-related knowledge and skills are represented in their curricula, identify existing strengths, and highlight opportunities for enhancement. Findings from the pilot reviews will be used to refine the review methodology.

Once validated, the frameworks and review methodology will be shared with other faculties and departments across UCalgary, enabling them to assess their own curricula and identify opportunities to strengthen aging-related education.

Outputs

Resources will be added as they become available.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the individuals providing leadership for this project.

Centre on Aging

  • Amber Dukart
  • Heather Hazlett
  • Dr. Chantelle Zimmer
  • Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc