Purdue: An Age-Friendly University

Purdue University was accepted into the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network in February 2019 as the first member of AFU from Indiana and the Big Ten Conference of universities. The Age-Friendly University Global Network was created in 2012 by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny along with Brian MacCraith, a professor from Dublin City University. The network has been growing over the years and now has over 40 member institutions around the world. The AFU network strives to address the needs of older adults and also concentrates on the issues posed by the aging population. Purdue was selected as a member of the network because of its commitment to integrating older adults as students, faculty, staff, and members of the Purdue community.

Age-Friendly in Action

For more than two decades, CALC has championed research and education on aging. CALC Faculty Associates have garnered over $171 million in research funding, and CALC is the first program in the world to offer a dual-title PhD in gerontology. Fifty-two of our 90 graduates hold academic positions, continuing to add to the body of research on aging issues.

In addition, the age-friendly principles in are action across the university.

  • Active collaboration with the Wabash Area Lifelong Learning Association
  • Back to Class and Grandparents University bring the most current and exciting research to predominantly older adult participants
  • Purdue University Global offers on-line degree programs to nontraditional students
  • The Road to Retirement program, retirement counselors, and the Purdue University Retirees Association help faculty and staff plan for and enjoy older adulthood
  • Emeritus faculty program keeps accomplished faculty involved and participating in academic life

Purdue by the Numbers

  • Approximately 1000 students are 40 or older
  • 43% of staff are age 50 or older
  • Half of tenure track faculty are age 50 or older
  • 263,978 alumni, or 51% of the population, are 50 or older