Centre on Aging

Age-Friendly University

Welcome to the University of Manitoba's Age-Friendly University Hub, where you can find age-friendly resources and information.

An intergenerational group of five people of different ages sitting on a wooden floor by a window reading papers in a group.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Age-Friendly University Showcase

Taking place simultaneously at the Centre on Aging's 43rd Spring Research Symposium, is a separate event for the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Showcase. Hosted by the Centre on Aging, we invite you to join us on May 7 to learn about events, programs, and initiatives across the University of Manitoba.

May 7, 2026 | 9 AM–3:15 PM
2nd floor, Multi-Purpose Room, UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba | Fort Garry Campus

The AFU Showcase is free to attend. No registration is required, just stop by and connect with representatives from across the UM who will be on hand to share information about different initiatives on campus with the UM community and general public.

Guiding principles and resources

Age-friendly resources available at the University of Manitoba are organized by the 10 Age-Friendly University principles.

To encourage the participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research programs

To promote personal and career development in the second half of life and to support those who wish to pursue “second careers”

To recognize the range of educational needs of older adults

To promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages

To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation

To ensure that the university’s research agenda is informed by the needs of an aging society and to promote public discourse on how higher education can better respond to the varied interests and needs of older adults

To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society

To enhance access for older adults to the university’s range of health and wellness programs

To enhance access for older adults to the university’s range of its arts and cultural activities

To engage actively with the university’s own retired community

To ensure regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population

Age-friendly university commitment

In November 2012, the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative was launched in Dublin, Ireland at Dublin City University (DCU) with the establishment of 10 age-friendly principles that guide post-secondary institutions in addressing the needs of older adults.

In May 2016, University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. David Barnard announced the University of Manitoba as the first Age-Friendly University (AFU) in Canada, joining universities in Ireland, the UK, and the USA, committed to the initiative.

Age-Friendly University Committee

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Committee was created in October 2016. The impetus for its creation was to advance Age-Friendly University principles at the University of Manitoba.

For additional information on the Age-Friendly University Committee, contact the Centre on Aging.

From the larger AFU Committee, three working groups were formed to carry forward some of the Committee’s work:

  • AFU teaching and learning working group (Michelle Porter, lead)
  • AFU lifelong learning working group (William Kops, lead)

North America regional co-leads

The University of Manitoba has been appointed the Regional Lead for North America of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network. UM was the first Canadian university – and among the first globally – to endorse the age-friendly university principles launched by Dublin City University, joining the official AFU Global Network in 2016.

North America regional co-leads 

Serving a four-year appointment, beginning in January 2026, are the regional co-leads.

  • Michelle Porter, PhD, Director, Centre on Aging, and Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
  • Angie Conrad, Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist, Office of Equity Transformation.

This appointment means UM will help guide strategy, outreach, and educational efforts across the continent, working closely with the Global Network Secretariat to shape global initiatives.

Other age-friendly university resources

Other age-friendly resources