{"id":13911,"date":"2025-03-20T11:28:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T15:28:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=13911"},"modified":"2025-10-28T11:57:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T15:57:41","slug":"age-friendly-university-designation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating an Age-Inclusive Campus: The Path of Goodwin\u2019s Age-Friendly University Designation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As of 2025, <a href=\"http:\/\/aging.ctdata.org\/\">adults 65 and older make up 20% of Connecticut\u2019s population<\/a>, highlighting a growing demand for accessible lifelong learning. In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements and an evolving workforce, age-friendly education provides older adults with opportunities to boost their earnings, pivot careers, or simply embrace new challenges.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WCEX2QKGdtk?si=0UmNgQi1UQ8Wx2A5\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>At Goodwin University, higher education encompasses learners of all ages and backgrounds. That\u2019s why we\u2019re proud to be an officially designated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/glossary\/age-friendly-university\">Age-Friendly University<\/a> (AFU), a distinction that reflects our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-for-accessible-education\/\">commitment to fostering an intergenerational learning environment<\/a> where every student can thrive.<\/p>\n<p>But what does it mean to be an AFU, and why does it matter? Let\u2019s explore this designation and its benefits for our students and the broader community.<\/p>\n<h2>What is an Age-Friendly University?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"12410\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/denzel-closs-autism-advocacy\/_80a2467-5-min\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1.png\" data-orig-size=\"6720,4480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"_80A2467 (5)-min\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1-300x200.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1-1024x683.png\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12410\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"446\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/80A2467-5-min-1-1024x683.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afugn.org\/\">The Age-Friendly University Global Network<\/a> (AFUGN) originated from the charge towards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/teams\/social-determinants-of-health\/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing\/age-friendly-environments\">age-friendly environments<\/a> established by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/\">World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO). Spearheaded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcu.ie\/\">Dublin City University<\/a>, this evolving international initiative endorses higher education institutions committed to age-friendly programming and resources. <strong>Universities like Goodwin, who have earned this designation, pledge to support lifelong learning, create opportunities for older learners, and engage in research that benefits aging populations.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At Goodwin, we embrace the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afugn.org\/principles\">AFU guiding principles<\/a> and promote collaborative learning environments, helping learners pursue meaningful programming at every stage of life. <strong>These principles seamlessly align with our mission to provide career-focused, student-centered education that meets the needs of a vast and dynamic student population.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>What are the advantages of an AFU?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>As an older student<\/strong>, attending an AFU can provide flexible and accessible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/instructional-design\/prospective-students\">online learning options<\/a>, programming designed to match your learning preferences, and holistic support services tailored to your needs \u2014 all while immersing you in a welcoming educational community.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For traditional students<\/strong>, studying at an AFU enriches classroom discussions, fosters critical thinking, and helps debunk aging myths. It also prepares you for success in a multigenerational workforce, nurtures reverse mentoring opportunities, and offers insights from older classmates with valuable professional experience.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"13915\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/getty-images-mzdb9uzha9a-unsplash\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/getty-images-mZDb9UzHA9A-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1707\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"getty-images-mZDb9UzHA9A-unsplash\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/getty-images-mZDb9UzHA9A-unsplash-scaled-300x200.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/getty-images-mZDb9UzHA9A-unsplash-scaled-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13915\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/getty-images-mZDb9UzHA9A-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"477\" height=\"318\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Faculty<\/strong> also gain valuable benefits from teaching in an AFU environment. You receive professional development opportunities focused on flexible teaching methods (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/reinventing-higher-education-with-udl\/\">Universal Design for Learning<\/a>) and resources for adapting curricula to serve learners across the lifespan. Moreover, you are encouraged to engage in intergenerational education and research initiatives, further enriching your instructional practice and scholarship.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the classroom, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/reinventing-higher-education-with-udl\/\">the AFU model strengthens university-community ties and enhances workforce development<\/a> by supporting career transitions and professional growth. By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/employers\/\">linking students with employers<\/a> and fostering alumni-student mentorship, AFUs create engaging lifelong learning opportunities. Older adults stay active on campus, while the broader community benefits from university resources that promote lifelong education and growth.<\/p>\n<h2>How does Goodwin support the success of older students?<\/h2>\n<p>As an AFU, Goodwin <strong>provides students of all ages with<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/student-affairs\/\">valuable resources and support services<\/a> to successfully navigate higher education.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a prospective student, whether returning to school after a break or just starting your academic journey, <strong>Goodwin&#8217;s support services are here to help you get started<\/strong>. Meeting with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/admissions\/\">admissions<\/a> is a helpful first step in determining which program best aligns with your goals. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/academic-advising\/\">Academic advisors<\/a> can then assist in creating a targeted plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/financial-aid\/\">Financial aid<\/a> specialists are also available to explore funding opportunities, making your education more affordable.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/career-services\/\">Career Services<\/a> can help you identify job opportunities and networking events that align with new career paths. Partnering with our alumni network further enhances career connections, offering mentorship and guidance from graduates who have successfully navigated similar journeys.<\/p>\n<h2>Advice for older students<\/h2>\n<p><strong>If you&#8217;re an older adult returning to higher education, planning is key<\/strong>. Start by aligning your learning goals with the right academic program to ensure your education supports your aspirations. Consider how coursework fits into your daily life, balancing work and family responsibilities, and build a strong support network of family, friends, or colleagues.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"13916\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/jade-stephens-pyyhxt-cw9w-unsplash\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/jade-stephens-PYyHXT-CW9w-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1707\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"jade-stephens-PYyHXT-CW9w-unsplash\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/jade-stephens-PYyHXT-CW9w-unsplash-scaled-300x200.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/jade-stephens-PYyHXT-CW9w-unsplash-scaled-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13916\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/jade-stephens-PYyHXT-CW9w-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"492\" height=\"328\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To ease the transition, connect with faculty for guidance on writing formats (such as APA and MLA) and take advantage of free tutoring through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/academic-success-center\/\">Academic Success Center<\/a>. Familiarizing yourself with online platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/glossary\/canvas-lms\">Canvas\u00ae<\/a> can also boost confidence in navigating digital coursework.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, <strong>acknowledge potential challenges<\/strong> \u2014 such as time management or technology barriers \u2014 and address them early to <strong>set yourself up for a smooth, rewarding experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Your journey is just beginning<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Achieving AFU designation is just the beginning<\/strong>. At Goodwin University, we are committed to seeking new ways to enhance our programs, expand outreach to older learners, and cultivate a welcoming academic community. <strong>Whether you\u2019re considering returning to school, pursuing professional development, or simply eager to keep learning, the Goodwin community will support your goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"13917\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/new-year-background-1850177_1280\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,854\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"new-year-background-1850177_1280\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280-300x200.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13917\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"501\" height=\"334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/new-year-background-1850177_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I am honored to be part of this initiative and excited for the future of age-friendly education at Goodwin. Our AFU designation reaffirms our belief that <strong>learning has no age limit<\/strong> \u2014 and that <strong>education should be a lifelong journey for all.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><em>Ready to begin your next chapter? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/landingpages\/learn-more\">Learn more about joining the Goodwin community<\/a> today!<\/em><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As of 2025, adults 65 and older make up 20% of Connecticut\u2019s population, highlighting a growing demand for accessible lifelong learning. In a world shaped by rapid technological advancements and an evolving workforce, age-friendly education provides older adults with opportunities &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Creating an Age-Inclusive Campus: The Path of Goodwin\u2019s Age-Friendly University Designation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":13912,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1079,5],"tags":[1189,1083,1188,268],"class_list":{"0":"post-13911","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-academics","8":"category-news","9":"tag-afu","10":"tag-age-friendly","11":"tag-age-friendly-university","12":"tag-featured","14":"fallback-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Age-Friendly University (AFU) Designation | Goodwin University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what it means to be an Age-Friendly University (AFU) and why this designation is so important to Goodwin\u2019s mission and community in Connecticut.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Age-Friendly University (AFU) Designation | Goodwin University\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what it means to be an Age-Friendly University (AFU) and why this designation is so important to Goodwin\u2019s mission and community in Connecticut.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/age-friendly-university-designation\/\" \/>\n<meta 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