The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

This year’s Symposium will take place:

Wednesday, May 8 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 204 Marshall McLuhan Hall, UMSU University Centre (and online) Fort Garry Campus

Spring Research Symposium presentations:

Aging research brings together a diverse group of researchers and professionals together. Our presenters will put a spotlight on research areas such as the social aspects of aging, age inclusivity, and using technology to support and promote aging in place at home, and more.

As the only research centre focused specifically on aging in the province, the Centre on Aging is bringing together six of their Research Affiliates from the University of Manitoba (UM) and Brandon University, who will present sessions on:

· smart technologies in at-home rehabilitation,

· improving age inclusivity at the University of Manitoba,

· older adults’ roles in Taiwanese Indigenous communities,

· preventing violence in long-term care,

· a framework for adult community rehabilitation, and

· in home companion robots to support wellness.

Between sessions, in person Symposium attendees can learn about current research over the breaks and lunch hour during the poster session. Connect with our poster presenters on the second floor in the multi-purpose room (MPR) in UMSU University Centre.

Exhibitors will also be participating in this year’s Symposium. Find out about the different programs and resources available to older people, caregivers, and their families by stopping by one of the tables and connecting with representatives available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While this year’s Symposium will be hosted in a hybrid format, we encourage you to come in person and meet our researchers, but also connect with your fellow Symposium attendees.

Bringing in an age-friendly university perspective

In addition to the Centre’s regular Symposium events, the Age-Friendly University Showcase will take place in the MPR as a stand-alone event. No registration is required, and you are invited to check out the various tables and meet invited representatives from across the UM who will share information about programs and services open to the public.

In 2016, the University of Manitoba endorsed the 10 Age-Friendly University principles, making it the first Age-Friendly University in Canada to join a global network of post-secondary institutions looking to engage older people and be part of the university’s community. To highlight what the UM has been doing as an Age-friendly University, Centre Director, Dr. Michelle Porter will present, University of Manitoba efforts to improve its age inclusivity, during the morning session of the Symposium.

You might be asking yourself, what is an Age-Friendly University (AFU)? An AFU supports lifelong learning through various educational initiatives, cultural programs, wellness activities and engages older members in a globally aging world.

At the AFU University Showcase taking place May 8 in the UMSU University Centre, you can find a little something for everyone. Whether you are interested in taking courses or furthering your education, participating in active aging classes, supporting the arts and theatre community, or connecting with university alumni, say hello to some of the UM representatives from Extended Education, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Family Resources, and others. Registration is not required to attend the Showcase.

As Michelle Porter says, “the University of Manitoba provides a treasure trove of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, volunteering for research studies, lifelong learning, engaging in recreational or health and wellness programming, attending cultural or sporting events, or interacting with people from around the world and from different generations.” Come out and

learn more about free tuition for those who are 65 and older, and many other opportunities specifically for older adults at the University of Manitoba.”

Learn more about this year’s Symposium and Age-Friendly University Showcase

For more details on this year’s Symposium program and registration, and to find out more about the Age-Friendly University Showcase, visit the Centre’s website.

Addressing a need in our community

Last year, approximately one in four Canadian adults provided care for someone who had a long-term health condition or a physical or mental disability, according to Statistics Canada. This responsibility can be demanding, and many caregivers rely on others for various types of support.

That is why when William Kops, Professor Emeritus and member of the UM Age-friendly University Committee, learned about the UM Babysitter Directory, he thought a similar resource could benefit UM members who are caregivers for adults. By providing opportunities to arrange casual visitation and companionship, the directory hopes to help both caregivers and the adults receiving care.

“Matching adults in need of companionship with UM students makes perfect sense. In addition to social and emotional support, the Adult Companionship Services Directory fosters inter-generational connections within the UM community,” says Kops.

“This new service shows how the University of Manitoba can make strides as an Age-friendly University by bringing together different units to work collaboratively to improve the lives of students, staff, faculty, and their families,” says Michelle Porter, Director of the Centre for Aging and a collaborator in the development of the ACS directory. “Students can gain volunteer/employment opportunities, and both students and clients can benefit from inter-generational engagement.”

How the directory works

The directory will contain service provider profiles, stating their availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. Clients can choose to list a job opportunity or contact a service provider directly to discuss a service opportunity.

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are to provide companionship and emotional support and engage in meaningful activities with clients. Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, accompanying clients on outings or appointments, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It will not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing, and feeding.

The ACS Directory is open to UM students, employees, retirees, and their family members. Most listings will be for paid services, however in some instances volunteer services may be available.

“The Adult Companionship Services Directory is part of our continued efforts to build a supportive environment for our UM families,” says Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.

Sign up for access to the Adult Companionship Services Directory.

If you are a student passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults, access the job description here on UM Connect.

For other family care matters, visit the Family Resources webpage.

The Centre on Aging will host a workshop open to UM faculty and instructors on November 9 to share information on teaching older adults in the classroom. With many older adults attending these courses already and more will come as the UM’s reputation as an AFU increases. Faculty from UM and Brandon University will share their perspectives on teaching older adults in university courses at the workshop.

What are the benefits and challenges of teaching classes of multi-age students?

Among other benefits, the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of older adults can enrich learning by complementing an instructor’s expertise and introducing different ideas that advance in-depth learning. As well, older adult participation can allay negative age-related attitudes by bringing older and younger students together to discuss topics of common interest. On the other hand, there are recognized challenges related to participation of older adults such as when they offer strong opinions and possibly dominate class discussion, and come with sensory, mobility and technology accessibility issues. Younger students may feel intimidated by the breadth of knowledge of older adult students and their influence on class discussions. Older adults can feel like imposters or members of an age-based minority to the point of experiencing age discrimination.

What does this mean for instructors teaching classes of multi-age students?

Along with creating a welcoming, comfortable, safe space for older adults at the university, it is important to recognize that older adults attend university for different reasons than typical university-age students. Generally, older adults are looking to expand their knowledge for the purpose of personal growth and intellectual stimulation, rather than to equip themselves with skills to begin a new vocation, job or career. It can be useful for instructors to inquire of all students, especially older adult students, their reasons for taking a course.

Related to the classroom, pedagogy/instructor teaching style are significant to the participation of older adults and engagement between multi-age learners. Evidence suggests that in-class discussion, sharing, and small group work support establishing rapport between students of all ages. Specifically, techniques like putting older and younger adults into groups to share perspectives advances intergenerational learning. This approach can extend to lecture-based classes with instructional designs that offers questions and discussion around content of mutual interest. Also suggested is that instructors take advantage of older adults as ‘allies’ to provide reference points or give examples in class. Further, instructors should be cognizant of accommodations that recognize sensory, mobility and technology access issues of older adult students. These could be in form of voice/sound projection, seating arrangements and classroom location.

Interested in learning more?

Register to attend the workshop:

November 9 | 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Register via WebEx for the November 9 workshop: https://bit.ly/3iXhlsW

For more information email the Centre on Aging: coaman@umanitoba.ca 

Details on the new funding are:

• Project funding period, if successful, will be from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022
• Applications are welcome from full-time UM faculty and staff in both academic and administrative units
• DEADLINE to submit applications is June 4, 2021 (4:00 PM CDT) via the Centre’s AFU funding page

Possible projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Developing new courses for graduate and undergraduate students in degree programs at the UM
• Developing micro-credentials, minors or concentrations related to aging
• Developing programs or services for older adults in the community to engage with UM
• Initiatives focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion related to age
• Accessibility projects
• Creating workshops
• Intergenerational activities

“By offering this funding, we hope to bring more awareness about the age-friendly principles to the UM community and encourage more connection between the university and the general public,” says Porter. “As one of the early members of the global network, examples of AFU initiatives across the UM have been shared with interested individuals both locally, nationally and internationally through conference presentations, seminars, or consultations. The AFU principles build on existing initiatives across universities, while encouraging connection between the university and local community members.”

AFU principles are wide-ranging and include elements related to older students, older people in the community having access to cultural and wellness activities and programming on campus, intergenerational opportunities, educating about the longevity dividend, and interacting with community organizations.

The AFU initiative is an extension of age-friendly communities. Engaging older people in the community is not only a university initiative, but a global one. UM researchers continue to be involved and engaged in age-friendly research and community initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2020, the World Health Organization launched the Decade of Healthy Ageing. Age-friendly environments are an essential element in ensuring that we can all age in a healthy way.

For more information on AFU at the UM and the principles of an AFU, visit the UM’s Age-Friendly University Hub

The 10 principles of an Age-friendly University, as identified by Dublin City University speak to: lifelong learning, access to cultural/recreation and wellness programs, inter-generational learning, increasing understanding of the longevity dividend, a research agenda that incorporates aging, engaging with the University’s retired community, and regular dialogue with organizations in the community representing the interests of an aging population.

Since the University of Manitoba endorsed the 10 Age-friendly University principles, a diverse working group from across campus has been identifying and looking to build upon existing age-friendly services and programs at our University. The Centre on Aging has been leading this initiative, under the direction of Dr. Michelle Porter.

How do I find out more about an Age-Friendly University?

On May 7, the Centre on Aging will be hosting their Symposium Workshop from 9 am–12 pm in 203 University College in the Great Hall, 220 Dysart Road, Fort Garry Campus. The Workshop is free to attend and is open to both the UM community and general public.

The Centre’s workshop will put the spotlight on the University of Manitoba as an Age-Friendly University. In addition, a showcase will provide information on existing programs and services at the University, followed by round table discussions to hear about how the University can be more age-friendly. Finally, tours will be available in the afternoon to show some age-friendly campus venues/programs.

To register for the free Workshop, visit: umanitoba.ca/aging or contact the Centre on Aging for more information: coaman@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8754.

Many great programs are available on campus, but finding the information can be overwhelming. If you’re wondering what an Age-Friendly University looks like, wonder no more. Today marks the launch of the Age-Friendly University Hub.

Over the past year, the Age-Friendly University Committee has identified existing age-friendly university programs, activities and information on campus. These include programs such as Free tuition 65+ (non-credit courses) for senior students, Seniors’ Alumni Learning for Life Program, or Recreation Service to name a few.

“I’ve always said the University of Manitoba is a trove of learning opportunities for older adults— lectures, seminars, courses, health and wellness classes and more—lots are free,” says Dr. Bill Kops, professor in Extended Education and Age-Friendly University Committee member. ”The new HUB is the “one-stop-shopping” site to find out what’s happening—a great way to join the university’s learning community.”

The information has been centralized and will now be accessible to the university community and beyond via the Hub.

“It is great that the university is going to have an Age-Friendly University hub,” says Dr. Michelle Porter, director, Centre on Aging and Chair of the Age-Friendly University Committee. “As we heard through our research on the age-friendliness of the University of Manitoba, there are many excellent age-friendly resources here. Centralizing the information in one location was a main recommendation.”

As Canada’s first Age-Friendly University, the University of Manitoba took the first steps in committing to improving the lives of its community members both on and off campus by endorsing the age-friendly university principles.

In 2016, President David Barnard announced the U of M as the first Age-Friendly University in Canada and one of a handful of early supporters of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Network, established by Dublin City University in Ireland in 2012. Since then, interest in the Network has expanded globally, where over 30 institutions across 8 countries have endorsed these same principles, including 4 other Canadian universities.

As the U of M continues its endorsement of the AFU principles, the information will continue to be updated on the Hub by the Age-Friendly University Committee.

“Our institutional mandate to increase accessibility and be an open resource for the community has driven the development of research projects, programs, and policies that respond to the needs of Manitoba’s aging population,” Barnard said at the university’s Centre on Aging 33^rd Annual Spring Research Symposium.

The Age-Friendly University Network builds on the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities Initiative launched in 2006 to encourage communities to shape physical and social environments to support people of all ages, especially older citizens.

Professor Brian MacCraith, president of DCU, commented on the U of M joining the network:

“An aging demographic is a global phenomena and it offers a unique once in a generation opportunity to those who are willing to creatively engage and reframe some of our contemporary understanding. A properly functioning international network of innovative, higher education institutions in dialogue and collaboration is a necessary first step. Welcoming the University of Manitoba, as the inaugural Canadian member of the AFU (Age-Friendly University Network), witnesses to this vision becoming a reality and we are delighted to welcome a university of this standing and prestige to our growing membership acknowledging the expertise and passion they will bring to this venture.”

He added, “In keeping with this vision, I was particularly pleased to note that an organization with as broad a membership base as the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) had recently given their board’s endorsement to the ten principles document, which forms the foundation for this growing global network. These are indeed exciting times.”

The U of M led a five-year Community University Research Alliance project, with funding provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, which supported communities across Manitoba in becoming more age-friendly. The commitment to the International Age-Friendly University network is a natural extension of this leadership role.

“My alma mater as an Age-Friendly environment – I am proud to be a part of a University that recognizes all ages including older adults,” said Connie Newman [BSc/69, BEd/70, Med/90], executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres.

The 10 guiding principles of an age-friendly university are:

1. To encourage the participation of older adults in all the core activities of the university, including educational and research program
2. To promote personal and career development in the second half of life and to support those who wish to pursue “second careers”
3. To recognize the range of educational needs of older adults
4. To promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages
5. To widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults to ensure a diversity of routes to participation
6. 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
7. To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society
8. To enhance access for older adults to the university’s range of health and wellness programs and its arts and cultural activities
9. To engage actively with the university’s own retired community
10. To ensure regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population