The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Australian universities need to be more age-friendly — what does that look like in practice?

  • Written by Jed Montayre, Senior Lecturer (Nursing), Western Sydney University
Australian universities need to be more age-friendly — what does that look like in practice?

Longevity and healthy ageing programs worldwide have embraced the slogan “adding life to years”. Ageing well is driven by a combination of factors, including lifelong education and civic participation. That points to the need to promote age-friendliness in higher education, also known as the age-friendly university initiative[1].

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network[2] started in Ireland[3]. It encourages universities and other higher education institutions to step up and respond to the educational needs of ageing populations such as Australia’s[4].

Universities are naturally committed to equity and celebrate diversity. However, they have more work to do to support the increasing numbers[5] of both mature-age students[6] (those who haven’t come straight out of school) and older learners[7].

Read more: 'A lot of us can relate to struggling to keep on top of everything.' This is what mature-age students need from online higher education[8]

The AFU Global Network has adopted ten principles[9] of age-friendly universities. These encompass the themes of inclusion, opportunities for older people and the ability to actively participate, contribute and optimise learning opportunities such as late-life qualifications[10] and research degrees[11]. Universities around the world[12] have started to embrace these principles.

As well as health care and community support services, age-friendly universities are an important piece of the whole age-friendly environment[13] puzzle. An inclusive approach that values every generation will advance society.

Read more: This is how we create the age-friendly smart city[14]

Why should universities become age-friendly?

Age-friendly policies that promote inclusivity and diversity benefit the whole university community.

Inclusive university education typically involves supporting individuals to finish a degree, ensuring the best learning experience and establishing promising careers. However, the concept of having second-career, older learners[15] is new to some.

Support mechanisms for older learners are rarely discussed, or relegated to disability support services. Surely, “being old is not a disability[16]”. Disability is different from ageing[17].

Hence, engaging and supporting older students, staff or the retired community need not be based on deficits. The focus should be on optimising their potentials and abilities.

Read more: 'Ageing in neighbourhood': what seniors want instead of retirement villages and how to achieve it[18]

What distinguishes an Australian age-friendly university?

Enriching the exchange of knowledge and experiences would be a strong feature of age-friendly universities. Doing so would build on the increasingly diverse student populations of our universities. They have students from more than 150 countries of origin[19].

Older people have experience of different cultures and of living in earlier times. They would be able to share historical events, life experiences and real-world contexts with younger students.

Another feature of age-friendly Australian universities is wide geographical reach. They have campuses and operations in regional[20] and metropolitan areas.

Older residents in rural areas are keen to take on opportunities for learning. They also want to actively contribute to their own community[21]. Age-friendly universities would enable them to do both.

Read more: Aged care isn't working, but we can create neighbourhoods to support healthy ageing in place[22]

Age-friendliness benefits higher education

Being age-friendly offers multiple benefits for universities and the communities they serve.

An age-friendly university is friendly to all ages.

Meeting the needs of older learners results in a system that is friendly to other students. It may be as simple as easy-to-access online tools and websites.

An emphasis on age-friendliness should also stimulate educators to embrace robust approaches to teaching that suit individual learning needs and life experiences.

Age-friendly education delivers intergenerational benefits.

Age-friendly universities provide an environment for intergenerational learning and knowledge exchange. Such programs are increasingly popular, but most of these to date have been between older people and preschool children[23]. While this approach has proven personal and health benefits, intergenerational learning should extend beyond the early learning and grandparenting concepts.

Programs like Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds have highlighted the benefits of intergenerational learning for the very young and old, but what about higher education?

At university level, an intergenerational learning[24] environment engages young and older citizens in collaborative learning, scholarly discussions and solving real-life societal problems.

Read more: What younger people can learn from older people about using technology[25]

Universities’ retired communities have much to contribute.

Active engagement of the university’s own retired community is vital. They can contribute to teaching, professional training and research.

Australia is a world leader in volunteering programs[26] at both the international and local levels[27]. Nevertheless, this generosity of spirit is not commonly put to use in universities.

If we can harness the untapped potential of older volunteers from the retired communities, the impacts on student learning experiences and the university are likely to be substantial.

Education does not have an age limit

The World Health Organisation’s first Global Report on Ageism[28] outlined the goals of healthy ageing and strategies to reduce ageist attitudes at all levels of society. One of these strategies involves intergenerational educational programs. Clearly, universities have an active role to play here.

The time is right for Australian universities to join the Age-Friendly Universities Global Network. The University of Queensland is the first Australian member[29] of the network, while others might still be contemplating membership. Regardless, age-friendly principles should be clearly articulated in all universities as they work towards responsive and inclusive education for all.

References

  1. ^ age-friendly university initiative (www.researchgate.net)
  2. ^ Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network (extranet.who.int)
  3. ^ Ireland (www.dcu.ie)
  4. ^ ageing populations such as Australia’s (www.aihw.gov.au)
  5. ^ increasing numbers (www.abc.net.au)
  6. ^ mature-age students (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ older learners (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ 'A lot of us can relate to struggling to keep on top of everything.' This is what mature-age students need from online higher education (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ ten principles (www.dcu.ie)
  10. ^ late-life qualifications (www.abc.net.au)
  11. ^ research degrees (www.abc.net.au)
  12. ^ Universities around the world (www.geron.org)
  13. ^ whole age-friendly environment (agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ This is how we create the age-friendly smart city (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ second-career, older learners (www.forbes.com)
  16. ^ being old is not a disability (scholarscompass.vcu.edu)
  17. ^ different from ageing (nda.ie)
  18. ^ 'Ageing in neighbourhood': what seniors want instead of retirement villages and how to achieve it (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ more than 150 countries of origin (www.dese.gov.au)
  20. ^ regional (www.run.edu.au)
  21. ^ actively contribute to their own community (doi.org)
  22. ^ Aged care isn't working, but we can create neighbourhoods to support healthy ageing in place (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ older people and preschool children (www.thesenior.com.au)
  24. ^ intergenerational learning (link.springer.com)
  25. ^ What younger people can learn from older people about using technology (theconversation.com)
  26. ^ volunteering programs (www.dfat.gov.au)
  27. ^ international and local levels (govolunteer.com.au)
  28. ^ Global Report on Ageism (www.who.int)
  29. ^ first Australian member (www.uq.edu.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/australian-universities-need-to-be-more-age-friendly-what-does-that-look-like-in-practice-160440

The Times Features

Discover the Charm of a Girl's White Dress

Key Highlights Timeless elegance: White dresses feel pure and have classic charm. They are perfect for many types of events. Versatile styles: You can pick from lace, embroid...

Top Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Devices in Australia

Key Highlights Lumitter™ has advanced red light therapy devices that combine new ideas with wellness. Red light therapy helps lower pain and swelling and boosts skin health. ...

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping