Inaugural Age Friendly Universities Conference 2015
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 are proud to host the inaugural International Age Friendly Universities Conference bringing together over 24 international higher education institutions representing four continents to share their research and explore collaborative opportunities. In addition the event was attended by representatives from government, the NGO sector and civic society.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing, said
"Age Friendly Universities (AFU) through the application of its ten principles has the potential to positively impact the lives of generations of older people across the world. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Report on Ageing and Health is a timely and appropriate vehicle for AFUs to map a pathway that responds to the educational spirit of all ages, through shaping current and future educational opportunities. It is imperative that AFUs are adequately resourced and focussed to build bridges across sectors and disciplines to fulfill its mandate. The International Federation on Ageing (IFA), INGO in official status with the United Nations and WHO stands ready to work with the Dublin City University (DCU) and other age friendly universities toward growing this important network globally, and developing an understanding as to how to measure its impact"
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
