Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network
Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network
The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network consists of institutions of higher education around the globe who have endorsed the 10 AFU principles and committed themselves to becoming more age-friendly in their programs and policies. The Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) endorses the AFU principles and invites its members and affiliates to call upon their institutions to become part of this pioneering initiative.
Joining the AFU network of global partners offers institutions the opportunity to learn about emerging age-friendly efforts and to contribute to an educational movement of social, personal, and economic benefit to students of all ages and institutions of higher education alike.
The AFU principles reflect the work of an international, interdisciplinary team convened by Professor Brían MacCraith, then President, Dublin City University (DCU) to identify the distinctive contributions institutions of higher education can make in responding to the interests and needs of an aging population. Launched by the Irish Prime Minister, (An Taoiseach) Enda Kenny in 2012 the 10 AFU principles have been adopted by institutions in Ireland, the U.K., the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Arizona State University, one of the founding members of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, has taken over the role of host institution of the network, following Dublin City University’s 10-year stint as the network’s lead. The new governance structure will engage members more locally and regionally to support the global network. An expected outcome of this change includes additional research opportunities as the member institutions identify the educational services and needs of older adults and students, and how universities engage with lifelong learners.