UC Berkeley and the Age-Friendly University Global Network
Building an Age-Inclusive University
In October 2025, UC Berkeley was granted membership in the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network, an international association of higher education institutions committed to promoting positive, healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older adults.
Membership reflects Berkeley’s commitment to creating an inclusive university where people of all ages can learn, contribute, connect and thrive.
Ten Principles, One Shared Vision
As a member of the AFU Global Network, Berkeley is aligning its work with the AFU Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University — a framework for advancing age-inclusive learning, research, engagement and community.
Explore the Ten Principles and discover an inventory of Berkeley’s age-friendly programs, initiatives, and research relating to each principle.
A Leader in an Aging World
In Berkeley’s application for membership, Chancellor Richard K. Lyons and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Benjamin E. Hermalin noted that Berkeley’s Principles of Community support the AFU’s Ten Principles by emphasizing equitable access to learning, research and public service and a commitment to an inclusive environment where people of all ages can thrive.
They also emphasized that membership in the AFU network will enable Berkeley to expand its role as a leader in advancing age-friendly practices and inspiring collaborative innovation locally and globally.
A University-Wide Effort
The AFU initiative is co-led by Susan Hoffman, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Berkeley and Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning, and Cary Sweeney, Director of the UC Berkeley Retirement Center.
An advisory task force brings together leaders from across the university, including William Dow, Center on the Economics and Demography of Aging (CEDA); Angie Perone, Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services (CASA); Anna Hilke, Re-entry Student Program; David Lindeman, CITRIS Health; and Lorraine Midanik, Dean Emerita of the School of Social Welfare.
Recognizing the Longevity Dividend
Participating in the AFU Global Network signals Berkeley’s deep commitment to creating a campus culture that recognizes later life as a time of resilience, purpose, contribution and continued growth.
It also recognizes the rich longevity dividend that older adults bring to the university and to society through their knowledge, experience, creativity and continued engagement.