Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University
The Age-Friendly University Global Network is committed to creating a more age-friendly and age-inclusive world while advancing the unique contributions universities can make in a globally aging society. The Network’s 10 principles provide a framework for this work. Below, we highlight each principle alongside examples of how UC Berkeley is putting it into practice.
Principle 1:
To encourage the participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research programs. View examples.
Principle 2:
To promote personal and career development in the second half of life and to support those who wish to pursue second careers. View examples.
Principle 3:
To recognize the range of educational needs of older adults (from those who were early school-leavers through to those who wish to pursue Masters or PhD qualifications). View examples.
Principle 4:
To promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. View examples.
Principle 5:
To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation. View examples.
Principle 6:
To ensure that the university’s research agenda is informed by the needs of an aging society and to promote public discourse on how higher education can better respond to the varied interests and needs of older adults. View examples.
Principle 7:
To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society. View examples.
Principle 8:
To enhance access for older adults to the university’s range of health and wellness programs and its arts and cultural activities. View examples.
Principle 9:
To engage actively with the university’s retired community. View examples.
Principle 10:
To ensure regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population. View examples.