Making the Case for Age-Diverse Universities
Nancy Morrow-Howell1,2, Edward F Lawlor2, Edward S Macias3
1Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Gerontologist
|December 25, 2019
Summary
Universities must adapt to longer life expectancies by becoming age-diverse communities. This inclusion benefits individuals, the workforce, and society by fostering innovation and lifelong learning.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Education
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- Increased life expectancy necessitates a reevaluation of traditional university structures.
- Current universities are often age-segregated, failing to serve the entire lifespan.
- Demographic shifts underscore the need for universities to embrace age diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for the transformation of universities into age-diverse learning communities.
- To highlight the benefits of intergenerational education for individuals and society.
- To address the challenges of age segregation in higher education.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis based on theories of age stratification.
- Review of the rationale for age-integrated higher education.
- Examination of the formation and goals of the Age-Friendly University Global Network.
Main Results:
- Age-diverse universities can enhance workforce capacity and innovation.
- Inclusion of all ages supports social connection and cognitive health in later life.
- Age integration in higher education is a positive alternative to age segregation.
Conclusions:
- Universities must evolve to serve students of all ages, fostering age-diverse campuses.
- Creating inclusive environments benefits younger and older learners, as well as institutions.
- The Age-Friendly University initiative aims to overcome barriers to lifelong learning.
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