Age-Friendly University
Why Do Age-Friendly Universities Matter?
Our world is aging—and higher education needs to catch up.
By 2030, 1 in 6 people globally will be 60 years or older. Yet many post-secondary institutions still reflect outdated, age-segregated models that do not meet the needs of an aging society. Despite shifting demographics, most students graduate with little understanding of aging and rarely interact with older adults during their studies. This lack of aging literacy affects their ability to navigate a world where age diversity is increasingly the norm—in workplaces and communities.
At the same time, more adults are working later in life and seeking opportunities to upgrade their skills or change careers. Others are turning to post-secondary institutions for personal growth, lifelong learning, and community engagement in retirement. Higher education is becoming a destination not just for younger adults, but for people across the lifespan.
Age-friendly universities recognize this reality. They:
- Prepare students to understand aging and work across generations
- Create programs that support learning and career development at any age
- Foster intergenerational connection and collaboration
- Challenge ageism by promoting inclusive, age-diverse campus environments
As the world continues to age, institutions have a powerful role to play in creating campuses that are more inclusive, innovative, and future-focused.
What is the Age-Friendly University Movement?
The Age-Friendly University (AFU) movement is a global initiative that calls on post-secondary institutions to respond to the opportunities and challenges of an aging world.
The movement began in 2012 when Dublin City University, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and Arizona State University, brought together an interdisciplinary team to explore how higher education could better support older adults. This work led to the development of the 10 principles of an AFU—a framework that guides institutions in becoming more inclusive of older adults and more engaged with aging-related issues. These principles complement the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities Framework and are now part of a broader Age-Friendly Ecosystem.
At its core, the movement is about rethinking how aging is understood and valued. Historically, higher education has largely overlooked aging in its teaching, research, and campus life. This lack of attention has reinforced negative assumptions about older adults and limited opportunities for intergenerational learning. Colleges and universities, however, can lead meaningful change.
How Post-Secondary Institutions Can Drive Change
By adopting age-friendly principles, institutions can:
To support the continued growth and coordination of the movement, the three founding universities established the AFU Global Network—a coalition of institutions dedicated to advancing age-friendliness and age-inclusivity in higher education.
In November 2018, UCalgary became one of the first Canadian institutions to join the AFU Global Network. Led by the Centre on Aging, UCalgary is actively working to build a more inclusive campus where individuals of all ages can learn, contribute, and thrive.