DCU's mission is to transform lives and society, and we welcome a broad age range to our university, from our Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) Programme to the Family Business Programme and, of course, the traditional student cohort. Being an age-friendly university, all are welcome.
The Age-Friendly University Programme specifically welcomes older people (50+) and recognises their contribution to the research agenda and the university's social, cultural and economic capital. The Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University reflect our commitment to being age-friendly by harnessing higher education opportunities and supporting ageing in a positive and healthy way.
"An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age" (WHO Definition of an Age-Friendly World).
Dr. Christine O'Kelly, the dedicated Age-Friendly University (AFU) Coordinator at Dublin City University (DCU), has played a pivotal role in advancing age-friendly initiatives nationally and internationally. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in expanding the AFU Global Network, which now encompasses over 100 universities across Europe, North and South America, South East Asia, and Australia. This network promotes age-friendly policies and practices within higher education institutions.
In 2023, the leadership of the AFU Global Network transitioned to founding partner members Arizona State University and the University of Strathclyde. Despite this transition, DCU remains actively involved through its position on the Executive Board, and Dr. O'Kelly continues to be a key figure in supporting universities as they adopt and interpret the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University.
Dr. O'Kelly's research focus, "The Factors and Process of Becoming an Age-Friendly University," provides insight into how higher education institutes can successfully navigate this. She is deeply committed to promoting age-inclusivity in higher education and advocating for policies and practices that support older adults in academic environments.
For further information on Dr. O'Kelly's research, she can be contacted via email at christine.okelly@dcu.ie. More details about the AFU Global Network can be found on their website: AFUGN website.
What sets us apart
DCU's pioneering approach to developing the age-friendly initiative has clearly resonated with higher education institutions which have grown to over 100 members globally. The Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University developed by DCU provides a framework which has ignited a dialogue on ageing in higher education and we warmly invite our colleagues in the sector to contribute to the conversation by joining the AFU Global Network.
Over 2,000 older people visit DCU to take part in wellness, cultural, social, research and educational opportunities on a weekly basis which brings a richness to the university campus, promoting intergenerational engagement, helps to challenge stereotypes and combat ageism.
Read more about The Age-Friendly Initiative here