Innovations in Age-Friendly University (AFU) Campus Practices: Engaging Community

Thursday, November 3, 2022

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

Location: 235 CC

CE: 1.5

Chair(s)

Ramraj Gautam, PhD

Associate Teaching Professor
Solomont School of Nursing
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States

Slides

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

Ramraj Gautam, PhD

Associate Teaching Professor
Solomont School of Nursing
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States

Slides
Karen Devereaux Melillo, PhD, A-GNP-C, FAANP, FGSA

Professor Emerita
Solomont School of Nursing
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Laura Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN, PhD, FGSA, FAAN (she/her/hers)

Dean, Distinguished Professor, Executive Director - AgeWell Collaboratory
Drexel University - College of Nursing and Health Professions
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Pamela Elfenbein, MSW, PhD, FAGHE, HS-BCP

Director
Institute for Healthy Aging
University of North Georgia Institute for Healthy Aging
Oakwood, Georgia, United States
KF

Kyle Fahey (he/him/his)

Student Research Assisstant
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) global network adopted 10 AFU principles, and AGHE endorsed the AFU principles in 2016. Institutions of higher education are initiating several innovative age-inclusive approaches to teaching, research, and community engagement. This symposium features AFU partner institutions that will discuss their approaches, guided by the AFU principles, for engaging the older adult community to foster age-inclusivity at universities. Guided by the AFU Principle 8 (access for older adults to the University’s range of programs) Elfenbein (University of North Georgia) will discuss the design and implementation of the University of North Georgia (UNG) Personal Enrichment, Action and Knowledge Series (PEAKS) program, a novel university and community coalition activity for older adults from the region. The program aims to develop a future life-long learning program. Gautam, et al. (University of Massachusetts Lowell) will discuss their initiative to engage the university’s own retired community (AFU principle 9) in promoting intergenerational activities benefiting both students and the University. Melillo, et al. (University of Massachusetts Lowell) will share the qualitative study findings exploring the perceptions of emeritus professors regarding AFU principles 4 and 9. Clark, DiMaria-Ghalili and Gitlin (Drexel University) will discuss the design, implementation, and challenges of launching a pilot grant program at the University that focused on faculty, staff, and students, and integrated the 10 AFU principles. Townsend, et al. (University of Massachusetts Lowell) will highlight the Age Friendly Communities (AFC) and AFU initiatives involving graduate students working with 25 Action Group community-residing adults 50+ (AFU Principle 7 and 10).

Learning Objectives:

After attending this session, participants will be able to describe the AFU partner institutions’ innovative approaches in engaging community older adults with the university.
After attending this session, participants will have an understanding of the university and community coalition and activities required to initiate a lifelong learning program both virtually and on-campus.
After attending this session, participants will have access to presenter resources, models, and knowledge to develop campus-appropriate age-friendly initiatives at their home colleges and universities.

Presentations:

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

An Age-Friendly University Initiative: Emeriti Professors' Interest in Intergenerational Activities
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Ramraj Gautam, PhD – University of Massachusetts Lowell
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

Emeritus Professors' Perceptions: Qualitative Research Exploring Age-Friendly University Principles
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Karen Devereaux Melillo, PhD, A-GNP-C, FAANP, FGSA – University of Massachusetts Lowell
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

The Age-Friendly Drexel Pilot Grant Program: A Grassroots Approach to the Age-Friendly University Movement
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, FGSA, FAAN – Drexel University
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

AFU Innovations: PEAKS (Personal Enrichment, Action, Knowledge Series)
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Pamela Elfenbein, MSW, PhD, FAGHE, HS-BCP – University of North Georgia Institute for Healthy Aging
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM ET

Age-Friendly Lowell: Intergenerational Connection Through Experiential Learning Opportunities
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Kyle Fahey (he/him/his) – University of Massachusetts - Lowell