By Beatrice Shelton, Strategic Communications
UC Berkeley has been designated as an Age-Friendly University (AFU) by the Age-Friendly University Global Network, an international consortium of higher education institutions committed to creating inclusive, age-responsive environments for learning, research, and community engagement across the lifespan.
This recognition reflects Berkeley’s longstanding dedication to excellence in education, research, and public service at every stage of life. Berkeley continues to lead in fostering environments where people of all ages can learn, contribute, and thrive.
Chancellor Rich Lyons and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ben Hermalin have emphasized that Berkeley's Principles of Community reflect the institution’s commitment to a community that engages and serves people at every stage of life. These values align closely with the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, reinforcing Berkeley's commitment to advancing age-friendly practices both locally and globally.
The AFU initiative at Berkeley is co-led by Susan Hoffman, Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning and Director of the UC Berkeley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and Cary Sweeney, Director of the UC Berkeley Retirement Center. Advisory Task Force members include the Directors of the Center on the Economics and Demography of Aging (CEDA), William Dow; the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services (CASAS), Angie Perone; the Re-entry Student Program, Anna Hilke; and the Emerita Dean of the School of Social Welfare, Lorraine Midanik; bringing together campus expertise to support the initiative’s research, educational, and service goals.
Looking ahead, the AFU team will partner with schools and colleges across campus to advance age-friendly teaching, research, and engagement, and to celebrate the many ways Berkeley already exemplifies this important work. For more information, including resources and ways to get involved, contact the UCB-AFU Task Force.
