Inaugural Age-Friendly Universities Conference Nov 2015
– "Engaging Ageing" , The Helix, DCU

Universities as engines for active and healthy ageing

Dublin City University became the first third-level institution to adopt the concept and principles of an Age-Friendly University in 2012 and has committed to lead and highlight the role that universities can play in responding to challenges and opportunities associated with the ageing demographic of the 21st century. 

In collaboration with our international partners, Arizona State University and Strathclyde University we were proud to host the inaugural International  Age Friendly Universities Conference which brought together over 24 international higher education institutions representing four continents to share their research and explore collaborative opportunities. 

Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing gave the keynote address at the conference.

Ms. Helen Campbell, Vice President  AGE Platform Europe (presentation)  and Mr Hugh O'Connor the CEO of Age Friendly Ireland,  (presentation) also addressed the conference.

The objective of the conference was to promote and develop the concept of the Age Friendly University -  how universities can act as engines to drive active and healthy ageing: Over the two days these were debated and discussed under the following themes:

• Research and innovation;
• Education and outreach;
• Learner and community involvement;
• Work and Enterprise.
• Health
• Technology

In excess of 60 submissions  were presented during the conference in the form of presentations, workshop and posters.

Attendees  participated in a combination of up to 16 discussion groups/4 workshops over the course of the two day event, in addition to attending the keynote addresses.

Photos from the recently succesful Photowings Project were also on display  during the course of the conference and a workshop on this year's Photowings theme "Homeplaces" was  presented by Dr. Cathy Fowley.  

For more information on presentations made at the conference please contact Christine O'Kelly, the AFU Project coordinaator.  

Academic Director:

Mark Morgan
Cregan Prof. Education and Psychology
Room DG16, Bea Orpen Building
Dublin City University
mark.morgan@spd.dcu.ie

For more information:

Christine O'Kelly
Age Friendly Project Coordinator
Email: christine.okelly@dcu.ie