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DCU Age-Friendly University

Welcome

About Age-Friendly University
 

Welcome to the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative at DCU.

Development of the Initiative

Since its earliest days, DCU has been committed to widening access to higher education, and this includes enhancing the lives of older members of our community through our innovative educational programmes, research agenda, curriculum development, online education, health and wellness activities,  arts and culture programme and civic engagement opportunities.

Reporting to the President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, an interdisciplinary working group, chaired by Prof. Maria Slowey, Director of the Higher Education Research Council (HERC), set out to identify the distinctive contributions that higher education institutions could make in addressing the needs of older adults. As a result, a set of 10 generic principles for an 'Age-Friendly University' was established, and is now adopted by partner universities around the world.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, who launched the initiative on November 9th  2012, said:

"Through this initiative, DCU is taking a leadership role in preparing society for the multifaceted challenges of our ageing demographic. It will actively encourage older people to come into our higher education institutions and to become involved in shaping university programmes. The age-friendly activities being promoted are both relevant and well-targeted to improving the quality of life for our older men and women. It is truly a pioneering initiative and I wish you the very best of luck in the coming years.  (Age-Friendly University initiative formally launched) 

In 2014, building on the work of Prof. Slowey and the working group, an Age-Friendly Coordinator - Ms Christine O'Kelly was appointed, and the Age-Friendly Implementation Action Team, chaired by Mr Trevor Holmes, Vice President of Strategic and External Affairs, was established.  The Team represents six Pillars across  the university:

  • Research and Innovation
  • Teaching and Learning  
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Intergenerational Learning
  • Encore Careers and Enterprise
  • Civic Engagement

Alignment with the WHO Age-Friendly Cities Approach

At Dublin City University, the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Initiative adopts a structured, continuous improvement approach aligned with the World Health Organisation’s age-friendly framework, adapted to the higher education context. This cycle supports the ongoing development of inclusive, responsive, and accessible university environments for learners across the life course.

Notably, the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, developed at DCU, were designed to complement the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities approach. This alignment ensures coherence between community and higher education settings and reflects a shared commitment to enabling active ageing. The principles have been endorsed by Professor Alexandre Kalache, former Director of Ageing and Life Course at the World Health Organisation, further reinforcing their global relevance and credibility.

Key Stages in the DCU Age-Friendly Approach:

1. Engage and Understand
DCU actively engages older learners, staff, and community partners to understand lived experiences and identify barriers to participation. This includes consultation, feedback mechanisms, and the co-creation of initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of a diverse, multi-generational university community.

2. Plan Strategically
Insights gathered inform the development of strategic priorities aligned with the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University. Action plans are embedded within institutional structures, ensuring that age-friendly practice is integrated across teaching, research, and civic engagement.

3. Act and Implement
DCU delivers a wide range of programmes and initiatives—from audit modules and lifelong learning opportunities to intergenerational activities and research projects, designed to enhance access, participation, and inclusion for older adults.

4. Evaluate and Evolve
Progress is continuously monitored through participant feedback, programme evaluation, and institutional review. Findings inform ongoing refinement, ensuring that the AFU Initiative remains responsive, impactful, and aligned with emerging policy and societal needs.

This cyclical model positions DCU as a living laboratory for age-friendly innovation, demonstrating how universities can act as civic anchors in supporting active ageing, intergenerational connection, and inclusive lifelong learning.

External Advisory Board

In addition, an External Advisory Board comprising organisations and experts  working with older people act in an advisory capacity:

  • Age Action Ireland
  • Age and Opportunity
  • Aontas
  • Senior Citizens Parliament
  • Fingal County Council 
  • Retirement Planning Council of Ireland
  • Third Age Foundation
  • Ms. Anne Connolly
  • Prof. Des O'Neill
  • U3A Baldoyle
  • Whitehall Active Retirement Association 

Whether you are a potential participant, a researcher or a partner organisation, we invite your active engagement with us