About Age-Friendly UCC

UCC is preparing to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network, an international network of universities committed to promoting age inclusivity and supporting positive and healthy ageing.

The Network encourages universities to recognise and respond to the opportunities and challenges of an ageing society, promoting lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement and the participation of older adults in university life.

To support its application to join the Network, UCC is identifying existing age-friendly activities and initiatives across the University, as well as opportunities to further strengthen age inclusivity.

The Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University

The Age-Friendly University Global Network is guided by ten principles originally developed by Dublin City University. These provide a framework for universities to become more inclusive of people of all ages.

In summary, the principles seek to:

1. Encourage participation: Support older adults to participate in the University's core activities, including education and research.

2. Support personal and career development: Promote opportunities for development and new careers in later life.

3. Recognise diverse learning needs: Respond to the different educational interests, experiences and aspirations of older learners.

4. Promote intergenerational learning: Create opportunities for people of different ages to learn from one another.

5. Expand online learning opportunities: Improve access to digital education for older adults.

6. Address the needs of an ageing society through research: Encourage research and public discussion on ageing and the role of higher education.

7. Increase awareness of ageing: Promote understanding among students of the contributions, opportunities and experiences associated with longer lives.

8. Support health, wellbeing and cultural participation: Improve access to university health and wellness programmes, arts and cultural activities.

9. Engage retired university staff: Maintain connections with and encourage the participation of the University's retired community.

10. Build partnerships: Maintain dialogue with organisations representing the interests of older adults.

These are summaries of the principles. The full wording is available on the Age-Friendly University Global Network website.

Age-Friendly UCC Working Group

The Age-Friendly UCC Working Group, chaired by Professor Suzanne Timmons, brings together UCC staff, retired colleagues and community representatives to coordinate UCC's application to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network and support the development of its first Age-Friendly University Action Plan.

Working Group members

• Professor Suzanne Timmons (Chair) – Interim Head, Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, UCC.

• Dr Avril Hutch – Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, UCC.

• Dr Annalisa Setti – Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Psychology, UCC.

• Dr Bettie Higgs – Retired Senior Lecturer, UCC.

• Dr Kieran Dalton – Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy, UCC.

• Ms. Mary Steele – Retired UCC staff member.

• Mr. Micheál Ó hAodáin – College Lecturer, UCC.

• Ms. Noelette Hurley – IT Analyst, UCC IT Services.

• Ms. Siubhan McCarthy – Age Friendly Programme Manager, Cork City.

• Ms. Siún Kearney – Elder Mediator, Round Table Mediation & Training Ltd.

• Ms. Ann King – Athena Swan Project Officer, UCC.

Our planned work: September–December 2026

UCC is undertaking a programme of work during autumn 2026 to prepare its application to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network.

September 2026 — Planning and preparation

Reviewing the Network's principles and identifying existing age-friendly activities across UCC.

October 2026 — Mapping and consultation

Gathering information about existing age-friendly activities and initiatives, engaging colleagues across the University and identifying opportunities for further development.

November 2026 — Application development

Bringing together evidence of existing activities, developing the application and identifying priorities for UCC's future Age-Friendly University Action Plan.

December 2026 — Finalisation and submission

Completing the application and obtaining the necessary University approvals, with submission to the Global Network targeted for December 2026.

This is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.

Further information

For further information about UCC's Age-Friendly University initiative, please contact the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office at EDIOffice@ucc.ie.

You can also learn more about the Age-Friendly University Global Network and its Ten Principles.