U of M joins Age-Friendly Universities Global Network
The University of Minnesota has joined the Age-Friendly Universities (AFU) Global Network, a partnership that will give the U of M access to resources and technical assistance to support local age-friendly initiatives.
Convened by Dublin City University President Brian MacCraith in 2012, the network helps universities to meet the research and education needs of an aging society and ensure that older adults are actively engaged in a campus community.
“The University has a longstanding history of innovative programming for older adults as well as education and research in geriatrics and gerontology,” U of M President Joan Gabel wrote in her letter endorsing the U’s application to become a member. “This network will build on this history as our communities continue to grow older and we explore new ways to engage older adults in our campus community.”
Facilitated through the School of Public Health’s Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, the U’s age-friendly initiative is overseen by a council of representatives from across the Twin Cities campus, including the University of Minnesota Advanced Careers (UMAC) Initiative, University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Extension, University of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and the University of Minnesota Retirees Association (UMRA).
On November 11, the University of Minnesota Advanced Career Initiative is hosting a free session via Zoom featuring stories about transitioning from career jobs into new ways of working.
Lynn C. Anderson is UMRA’s representative on the University of Minnesota Age-Friendly University Council and would welcome your ideas for projects, grants, and resources that the council could pursue.
One advantage of UMRA’s participation in the AFU will be increased awareness of and access to programs offered within our own University. For example, on November 11, 2020, from 12 to 1 p.m., the Advanced Career Initiative is hosting a free session via Zoom featuring three UMAC fellows who will share stories about transitioning from their career jobs into new ways of working. Visit the UMAC website for more information and to register.
The complete U of M news release can be found here.