McMaster joins global network of 'age-friendly' universities

McMaster University has joined the international Age-Friendly University (AFU) network, a global body made up of higher education institutions that are committed to being more accessible to older adults.

The AFU network was launched in 2012 by Dublin City University (DCU) in Ireland as a way to assist in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the world’s aging population. It builds on the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, which encourages all communities to shape their physical and social environments to support people of all ages.

“Our interest in joining the network emerged because collaboration and community engagement are two key pillars at McMaster,” said Patrick Deane, President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University.

“By working together with our institutions, we can advance our mutual goals and have a positive impact on today’s aging population, as well as the growing population of older adults worldwide.”

McMaster University has a long history of building strength in aging research, housing a number of unique platforms focused on aging from multiple disciplines and perspectives. Last fall, the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) was launched as an overarching entry point to these resources, including the newly formed Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging and the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, and to facilitate new collaborations in aging research.

“We are delighted to welcome McMaster University to the global Age-Friendly University Network,” said Trevor Holmes, AFU’s Chair and Vice President for Strategic and External Affairs. “Their leadership in research and engagement across a wide range of relevant subject matters aligns perfectly with the AFU vision.”       

To learn more, please visit: http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/article/mcmaster-joins-global-network-of-age-friendly-universities/?utm_source=Academica+Top+Ten&utm_campaign=f3b1409024-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_11_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b4928536cf-f3b1409024-51945761 and https://www.thespec.com/news-story/7730538-mcmaster-commits-to-being-an-age-friendly-university-/?utm_source=academica+top+ten&utm_campaign=f3b1409024-email_campaign_2017_11_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b4928536cf-f3b1409024-51945761