aGE-fRIENDLY uNIVERSITY

The concept of an Age-Friendly University originated from the 2007 Age Friendly Cities Program launched by the World Health Organization. This framework introduced 8 interconnected domains to address barriers to the well-being of older adults. In 2010, Dublin College University adapted the WHO Age-Friendly City initiative to create a model tailored to academic institutes’ contributions to the global aging population. This effort gave rise to the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, endorsed by over 100 higher education institutes worldwide. By formalizing their commitment to these principles, member universities collectively strive to assess and shape progressive age-friendly programs, identifying gaps and opportunities for growth.

Canadian older adults are enjoying longer, healthier lives, seeking ways to stay active and engaged post-retirement, building new social networks.

In 2022, a successful membership application led by the Aging in Place research cluster resulted in UBC Okanagan joining the global Age Friendly University (AFU) network, formalizing the institutions commitment to the 10 AFU principles. This effort has positioned UBC Okanagan as a leader in aging research and an institution dedicated to genuine inclusivity.

Canadian older adults are enjoying longer, healthier lives, seeking ways to stay active and engaged post-retirement, building new social networks. Continuously enhancing community outreach at the University of BC Okanagan aims to ensure older adults feel represented in the academic environment and its programming. Involving older adults on campus can have enduring positive effects, fostering a more intergenerational community and mitigating social isolation—concerns heightened by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Opening the university to an older adult audience also creates opportunities for students to connect with experienced individuals from diverse fields and life paths.