Age-Friendly University Principles

The 10 AFU principles, as suggested by AFU Global Network and Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), provide a guiding framework for distinguishing and evaluating how UMass Lowell can shape age-friendly programs and practices, as well as identify gaps and opportunities for growth.

Examples of current and proposed activities, events and initiatives are described under each principle below:

UML's journey to an Age-Friendly University
UML profiles alumni who can connect with each other and the university
The UMass Lowell Career and Co-op Center supports students and alumni in developing job search skills and informed career choices
UMass Lowell's Division of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies (GPS) offers tuition-free credit programs to some Massachusetts residents 60 and older.
Faculty are developing intergenerational learning programs at the university.
Graduate, Online and Professional Studies provides online courses.

Research related to Age-Friendly University initiative
Publications related to Age-Friendly initiative
Currently, aging courses where students learn the value of longevity dividend and debunk myths of aging and understand the realities of aging, are offered in the College Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as UMass Lowell’s Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, health care programs. For example, the Solomont School of Nursing offers a graduate degree preparing Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. In addressing this AFU principle, we recognize the need for additional aging programming.
UMass Lowell Office of Community Relations partners with the Learning in Retirement Association (LIRA) to provide various educational courses to retired and semi-retired individuals in the community.
Also, the UMass Lowell recreation services provides reduced rate for community members 55+
Age-Friendly events
Human Resources provides resources for retiring faculty and staff.
A panel was held for faculty members who are considering retirement, but want to stay engaged with the university on Sept. 13, 2023.
UMass Lowell has established partnerships with representative organizations

Age-Friendly University Principles

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Age-Friendly University Principles

1. To encourage the participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research programs.

2. To promote personal and career development in the second half of life and to support those who wish to pursue second careers.

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 master's or Ph.D. qualifications).

4. To promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages.

5. To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation.

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.

7. To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society.

8. To enhance access for older adults to the university's range of health and wellness programs and its arts and cultural activities.

9. To engage actively with the university's own retired community.

10. To ensure regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population.

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