12/05/2022
By Julie Nash, Karen Devereaux Melillo, Ramraj Gautam and Brita Dean

In August 2019, the five-campus University of Massachusetts system endorsed the 10 principles of the Age-Friendly University, as defined by Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network at Dublin City University, joining an international effort intended to highlight the role of higher education in responding to the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. UMass was the first university system to join the AFU Global Network, earning the designation for its campuses.

Working with the ADVANCE Office for Faculty Equity and the Office of the Provost, the AFU initiative seeks to intentionally engage all members of the campus community in promoting age-inclusivity to positive impact the work and culture of the University. We are interested in promoting intergenerational mentoring, research, and engaging the community's older adults, including retirees and alumni.

If you would like to learn more or join the effort, contact Emerita Professor Karen Devereaux Melillo or Professor Ramraj Gautam. You can also visit the newly launched Age Friendly University website.