DCU AFU Engages in European Conference on Age-Friendly Universities

Today, DCU AFU was honored to participate in the online conference Universities as Age-Friendly Spaces: Teaching Experiences in European Age-Friendly Universities, hosted by the Faculty of Wisdom Team at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for discussions and networking between professors, faculty, and coordinators from various Age-Friendly Universities (AFUs) across Europe. Participants explored diverse perspectives on the AFU concept, shared valuable experiences and practices, and addressed the challenges and opportunities involved in educating older adults. A key focus was on innovative didactic approaches that encouraged the active participation and engagement of older students in the learning process.

DCU AFU was delighted to share the platform with Ms. Mary McCarthy, a DCU AFU participant, Champion, and Ambassador. Drawing upon her extensive expertise, she spoke about the AFU programme offered by DCU, reflecting on her experiences both as a participant and a tutor.

The conference featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including:

• Dr. Christine O’Kelly, Coordinator of Age-Friendly Dublin City University
• Assis. Prof. Dr. Lucie Vidovićkova, Chair of the Research Institute Committee on Ageing (International Sociological Association), Masaryk University
• Zala Simčič, Head of the Alumni Club Network, University of Ljubljana
• Prof. Dr. Meta Lah, Professor of French, Faculty of Active Wisdom, University of Ljubljana
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mojca Leskovec, Professor of German, Faculty of Active Wisdom, University of Ljubljana
• Mary McCarthy, Facilitator, Age-Friendly University, Dublin City Universit