Age-Friendly University Initiative

The University of Queensland is the first university in the Southern Hemisphere to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network. This international network of over 100 higher education institutions is dedicated to addressing the needs of older people and the opportunities presented to individuals, communities and society by increased longevity.

One of the core values of UQ is to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where ideas flourish and people, regardless of background or age, are empowered and respected to achieve success. UQ has strong research and teaching strengths that could benefit from heightened awareness of age-related issues. Most importantly, recognising longevity as a dividend rather than a burden is key to driving positive social, policy, health and well-being initiatives within Australia and beyond.

Joining this network of global partners offers institutions the opportunity to learn about emerging age-friendly efforts and contribute to an educational movement of social, personal, and economic benefit to students of all ages and institutions of higher education. UQ is also the Lead of the Oceania Region within the Age-Friendly University Global Network, and we are actively working with institutions across the region to increase our presence in this growing global consortium.

Age-Friendly University Principles

1. To encourage the participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research programs
2. To promote personal and career development in the second half of life and to support those who wish to pursue second careers
3. To recognise the range of educational needs of older adults (from those who were early school-leavers through to those who wish to pursue Master's or PhD qualifications)
4. To promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages
5. To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation
6. To ensure that the university's research agenda is informed by the needs of an ageing society and to promote public discourse on how higher education can better respond to the varied interests and needs of older adults
7. To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society
8. To enhance access for older adults to the university's range of health and wellness programs and its arts and cultural activities
9. To engage actively with the university's own retired community
10. To ensure regular dialogue with organisations representing the interests of the ageing population

Information and Resources