UNCW Joins Global Network that Promotes Age-Inclusive Environments

UNC Wilmington has been accepted for membership in the Age-Friendly University Global Network, an international community of 100 higher education institutions that foster age-friendly environments.     

The achievement recognizes UNCW's efforts to be accessible to older adults and to advance age-friendly policies, research, services and initiatives. The membership confirms UNCW’s ongoing commitment to age-inclusivity and facilitates the university's collaboration with other institutions within the network to shape age-friendly programs and practices.    

In 2022, Chancellor Aswani K.  Volety sent a letter endorsing the AFGN’s 10 Age-Friendly University Principles based on unanimous recommendations from the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and Student Government Association.  The principals include intergenerational learning, online educational opportunities, engagement with retired communities and other key topics.  The university was recently accepted as a member of the network.  

"We value our lifelong learners and are committed to cultivating a thriving age-inclusive environment where older adults are actively involved in the life of the university, whether through our academic programs, research, arts or cultural programs," Volety said.    

The age-friendly designation is aligned with the university's strategic plan for increasing access and affordability and developing a long-term enrollment management plan focusing on underrepresented students. The UNC System's strategic plan also emphasizes expanding college access to adult learners.   

"Lifelong learning is a hallmark of an institution of higher education, and it should certainly be accessible to students who may not follow a traditional path to college and to community members who want to remain engaged in discovery," said Donyell Roseboro, UNCW's chief diversity officer.   

UNCW provides numerous pathways for older adults to be involved. The university's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers a myriad of learning and social programs, allowing individuals 50 and older to explore their passions and creativity. Faculty and students conduct academic work to research and study aging. Numerous units, such as UNCW Athletics and the Office of the Arts, offer diverse programming.   

"By joining the Age-Friendly University Global Network, UNCW has become part of a unique effort to help disrupt the ageism that pervades modern societies," said Tina Newsham, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences professor and Gerontology program coordinator who initiated and facilitated the application process.      

Initiated in 2012 at Ireland’s Dublin City University, the AFGN promotes positive, healthy aging by offering age-friendly educational programs, research, curriculum, online education, health and wellness activities, arts and culture programs and opportunities for civic engagement.