Lecture Series

 

Michigan State University recently achieved a major international mark of distinction, acceptance into the Age-Friendly University, or AFU, network. This designation is reserved for universities with values that align with 10 AFU principles, endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.  This presentation explores what it means to be an AFU and why it is important.  It will also review MSU AgeAlive – a program for all ages aimed at promoting quality of life and well being throughout life and student, faculty and retirement success.  Goals include becoming the university’s central information and resource center on aging by building a complete inventory of MSU’s rich aging-related activities and offering multiple ways to connect people.  Specific areas of focus are on the need for meaningful retirement pathways, support for caregivers, and providing intergenerational and life-enrichment experiences including lifelong learning.

 

Clare Luz, PhD is Founding Director of AgeAlive and a gerontologist whose research focuses on quality of life for vulnerable older adults, long-term care health services, particularly the eldercare workforce shortage, and the intersection of aging, health, and the arts.  She is also Director of IMPART Alliance, currently funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, which is an organization dedicated to building a sustainable infrastructure in Michigan for developing and supporting the personal care aide workforce.  She has served on the Michigan Long-Term Supports and Services Advisory Commission, the Michigan Society of Gerontology board, and the National Quality Forum’s Home and Community-Based Care Committee.

Co-sponsor:  The Office of University Outreach and Engagement provides meeting space, coffee and parking passes.

Faculty Emeriti Association Lectures are open to all those interested.