The Age-Friendly University Global Network is a network 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.
The institutions have a shared goal of promoting an inclusive approach to healthy and active aging through research, enhanced learning opportunities for people across generations, and innovations that address issues affecting older adults.
“It’s important that everyone, regardless of their age or background, feels welcomed and supported at UMD,” said University of Minnesota Duluth Interim Chancellor David McMillan. “It’s a testament to our work of inclusion and welcoming that we’ve achieved this designation. I’m proud that it reflects our mission, and our support of the valued older adults in our communities in northeastern Minnesota.”
To become an Age-Friendly University, UMD had to demonstrate a commitment to working toward the ten age-friendly university principles. UMD’s Summer Senior program, University for Seniors, the UMD senior education program and several of UMD’s faculty research topics are just a few examples of how UMD is already engaging with the principles as an institution.
The work is being led by Assistant Professor Lacey Loomer, PhD, with university support from Director of University for Seniors Wendy J. Larrivy, M.Ed, and community support from the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging and Duluth Aging Support.
“UMD is already engaging in several of the Age Friendly University principles, by joining the network we are formalizing our commitment and uniting individual efforts into a collective,” Loomer said. “Minnesota and Duluth are a part of the AARP Age-Friendly network, as a state university joining Age-Friendly University means we are committing to collaborating with our community to improve quality of life for Minnesotans at all ages.”
More about the Age-Friendly University Global Network can be read on the UMD news site.