Working to promote a better understanding of ageing
Posted on 27th September 2016
Since 2008, an innovative approach to engaging older adults in university has been building momentum in DCU which became the first third-level institution to adopt the concept and principles of an Age-Friendly University in 2012. DCU has committed to lead and highlight the role that universities can play in responding to challenges and opportunities associated with the ageing demographic of the 21st century.
It is not unusual to see many older people on campus in DCU. A “Taste of DCU” event on Friday Sept 16 welcomed more than 200 people onto the campus despite the bus strike! The Intergenerational Learning Programme which has just launched a new programme for autumn 2016 offers a selection of dedicated modules designed with the older learner in mind. This wide range of short, competitively priced courses on offer, delivered by DCU lecturers, provides opportunities to study subjects ranging from psychology to everyday science to genealogy. A unique and innovative approach to technology courses which uses an intergenerational model with the help of volunteer student mentors, has brought more than 600 older adults on campus and engaged 300 DCU students in teaching and volunteering. Opportunities are also on offer to complete a credit bearing course from our undergraduate programme with more than 20 subjects on offer. This is an ideal option for those wanting to learn at their own pace.
"Let’s work together to banish age discrimination and make Ireland a great place to age in..."
Another element to the Age Friendly Initiative is the MedEx (Medical Exercise), a unique chronic illness rehabilitation service which has grown dramatically over the past six years in DCU to become one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe. It delivers exercise-based programmes, with parallel educational and related supports, to individuals with diverse chronic illnesses. Hosting over 700 visits per week, the MedEx programmes transform the lives of participants and their families.
Whilst over at DCU’s School of Nursing, the Memory Works screening clinic is available to anyone over 40 who feels they are developing memory problems. The clinic operates on a self-referral or GP referral basis aimed at identifying people with a pathological reason for their memory problems. The service aims to fill a gap in the existing health service.
The rationale for DCU’s Age Friendly initiative is informed by the fact that older people are now living longer and tend to be healthier than previous generations. It is recognised that people need to have access to meaningful forms of engagement in society at a time when they may be retiring from employment and/or be less engaged with family.
"Through the development of its new programmes and research over the coming years, DCU hopes to create an environment which is respectful of all and caters to the needs of all ages in society."
Current national programmes which seek to address the issues and needs of an ageing population tend to focus narrowly on health-care and medical services. DCU Age Friendly University, aims to adopt a more holistic approach which will provide opportunities for physical, cultural and educational programmes designed to promote and preserve health, and harness opportunities for those who wish to develop “encore” careers or engage in developing their social entrepreneurial skills.
Through the development of its new programmes and research over the coming years, DCU hopes to create an environment which is respectful of all and caters to the needs of all ages in society. From this will emerge a model of best practice which can inform and shape public policy nationally and internationally in this area.
Working with organisations and community groups to support our message is key to the AFU concept. As a nation we need to be open to transition to a new way of living and working embracing the opportunities of ageing as well as working together to address the challenges. This is critical as students entering the university today will not have the same concept of retirement as we do now, they will have longer working lives and will change career up to as much as seven times in the course of their lives. It is very important that they inform their own ageing process. Within the workplace and the higher education sector we need to look at attitudes and the challenge of accommodating Baby Boomers, Gen X’s and Millennials all who work with very different styles and expectations. It is a challenge but, it’s also an opportunity.
"It is very important that they [students] inform their own ageing process."
On October 1 DCU in partnership with Third Age and Specsavers will host “Operation Conversation” in Albert College Park on October 1 from 2 -4 pm to promote intergenerational dialogue. On October 12 we again colloborate with Third Age to host An Evening with David Puttnam & Micheal O’Muircheartaigh in conversation with Miriam O'Callaghan in the Helix Theatre at 7pm. We are delighted to work in partnership with Third Age on the two events in October – it challenges stereotyping for both young and old, raises issues and creates awareness.
As a community we uphold Equality Legislation to banish discrimination of all forms – so let’s work together to banish age discrimination and make Ireland a great place to age in.
Christine O'Kelly
Age Friendly Project Coordinator, DCU Age Friendly University
