A Global Network for Age Inclusivity

The Age-Friendly University Global Network is an association of higher education institutions committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members of the global community through innovative educational programs, research agendas, curriculum development, online education, health and wellness activities, arts and culture programs and civic engagement opportunities.

History

In 2012, Dublin City University convened an interdisciplinary working group to identify the distinctive contributions that higher education institutions could make in addressing the needs of older adults. As a result, the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University were established. These principles sought to complement the existing WHO Age-Friendly Cities Program - and now serves as a core component of the Age-Friendly Ecosystem.

As institutions adopted the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, there grew a need for an organizing body to promote the Principles, support adoption, and organize the growing Age-Friendly University Movement. Dublin City University, Arizona State University, and the University of Strathclyde established the Age-Friendly Global Network to answer this need. The Global Network was based at Dublin City University from 2012 to 2023.

In 2023, the Global Secretariat relocated to Arizona State University, with the University of Strathclyde assuming the role of Vice-Chair in the newly formed Executive Council. Since then, the Secretariat has spearheaded the coordination and international representation of the network, focusing on facilitating member projects and communication, developing policies and procedures, and maintaining a comprehensive repository of age-friendly resources.

Today, the Age-Friendly University Global Network remains committed to creating an age-friendly and age-inclusive world and advancing the unique contributions institutions of higher education can make in a globally aging world.