A college or university that welcomes and supports learners of all ages, especially older adults. Recognizing that learning doesn't stop at a certain age, these institutions offer programs, services, and environments that are inclusive and accessible to people throughout their lives. They typically offer specific programs, courses, and services tailored to the interests and needs of older adults (e.g., opportunities to take classes, engage in research, and participate in campus life) with a goal to provide both access to lifelong learning, and foster inclusion, intergenerational connection, and healthy aging.
Higher education institutions can be designated as an age-friendly university by the Age-Friendly University Global Network. The Network, originally launched in 2012 by Dublin City University (Ireland), is now led by Arizona State University in the U.S. Institutions become members by endorsing the Network’s “Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University” which serve as a framework for promoting age inclusivity in higher education.
More than 110 institutions worldwide are part of the AFU Global Network. Several U.S. universities have received the AFU including:
- University of Arizona (2024) –promoting positive and healthy aging through various programs and initiatives.
- Wichita State University (2022) –providing learning opportunities for adults at all life stages.
- University of Maine (2022) –engaging older adults in various aspects of university life including research and lifelong learning programs.
- Virginia Commonwealth University (2021) – focusing on inclusivity and intergenerational learning
- University of Massachusetts System (2019 –encompassing multiple campuses across the state.
The AFU Network does not define "older adults" by a specific age:
- No fixed age threshold: There is recognition that educational needs and interests can arise at any age after midlife.
- Programs often target 50+: Many member universities design lifelong learning and engagement programs with participants aged 50, 60, or older in mind, reflecting common retirement ages and life transitions.
- Focus on diversity of experience, rather than chronological age alone: Principles emphasize the varied needs, backgrounds, and goals of older learners—whether returning to school, pursuing personal interests, mentoring others, or seeking social engagement.
Some AFUs offer:
- Workforce re-entry and career pivot programs including retraining and upskilling programs for older adults returning to the workforce, changing careers, or starting businesses. Programs may include digital literacy, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, or industry certifications in growing fields. Some AFUs partner with community colleges or workforce boards to offer training in high-demand areas like: Healthcare (e.g., medical assistant, caregiving); Information technology (e.g., basic coding, IT support); Education (e.g., substitute teaching, early childhood care); Business and nonprofit leadership; Entrepreneurship (especially social entrepreneurship).
- Social and Intergenerational Engagement to include student mentoring, volunteerism, or intergenerational programs, which benefit both older learners and younger students.
- Accessible services such as dedicated staff or ombudspersons for older learners, accessible transportation and campus navigation help, health and wellness programs tailored to older adults, and tech support for online learning platforms.
Alternative names for programs include:
- Lifelong Learning Hub
- Encore Career Programs
- Second Acts
See Initiative: Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU) | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library
