Age-Friendly University Overview
The Age‑Friendly University (AFU) Global Network brings together campuses that are genuinely committed to creating spaces where older adults can learn, teach, and stay engaged as valuable members of the university community. By joining the network, universities pledge to live out the 10 Age‑Friendly University Principles, supporting lifelong learning, opening doors for second‑career pathways, encouraging participation in research and creative activities, and strengthening connections with their retired community to build a more inclusive, age‑positive campus culture (https://www.afugn.org/about-us.)
Illinois as an Age-Friendly University
The University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign was designated as an age-friendly university in 2020. Our application was endorsed by the Illinois administrators at that time: Chancellor Robert Jones and Provost Andreas Cangellaris. The Dean of Applied Health Sciences, Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, helped us to obtain letters of support from 14 other Deans and 6 Institute Directors. Thus, this is truly a university-wide endorsement of the AFU principles. At Illinois, we are dedicated to building a truly inclusive, multigenerational campus, where people of every age can learn, grow, and share their experiences with one another. We open doors to meaningful educational opportunities; rich cultural and wellness resources; as well as programs and research that reflect the realities of an aging society. We champion lifelong learning, equity, service, and personal growth, creating a community where everyone belongs and everyone benefits.
How the University of Illinois Demonstrates the 10 Principles of an Age-Friendly University
Links to these examples and other activities are interspersed throughout the CHART Website, organized by research, opportunities, and events.
Encouraging older adults’ participation in educational and research programs
Illinois includes older adults in core university activities through programs such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Illinois Extension, and research initiatives that actively integrate older adults as participants as well as co-designers.
Supporting personal and career development in later life
The university offers tuition waivers for Illinois residents aged 65+, enabling ongoing education and skill development for older adults.
Recognizing diverse educational needs of older adults
Programs such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and UI Extension deliver varied educational experiences suited to learners with different backgrounds—ranging from casual enrichment to structured learning.
Promoting intergenerational learning
The Sage program—run by Illinois students in collaboration with CHART—pairs students and older adults to share stories, build relationships, and increase mutual understanding.
Expanding access to online learning for older adults
Illinois Extension and OLLI offer remote and technology‑supported learning opportunities that broaden access for older adults across Illinois.
Ensuring research priorities reflect the needs of an aging society
CHART (Collaborations in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology) and the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability lead interdisciplinary research explicitly focused on aging, health, and technology.
Increasing students’ understanding of aging and the longevity dividend
Many courses across campus expose Illinois students to older adults’ lived experiences, cultivating awareness of aging’s complexity and societal value.
Enhancing access to health, wellness, arts, and cultural activities
Illinois provides older adults with access to university wellness programs, fitness programs, and cultural events, supporting healthy living and community engagement.
Actively engaging the university’s retired community
Older adults participate in campus initiatives through OLLI, Extension programs, research participation, and wellness offerings—sustaining strong ties with retired and senior members of the community.
Maintaining ongoing dialogue with organizations serving older adults
Illinois collaborates with regional partners Age‑Friendly Champaign‑Urbana; Area Agencies on Aging; Illinois Department on Aging; Illinois Family Caregiver Coalition; and the Illinois Assistive Technology Program.