Overview
The University of Windsor is applying for endorsement of the Ten Principles of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) and membership in the AFU Global Network. Windsor-Essex is one of Ontario's most rapidly aging regions, and this work reflects our commitment to being an inclusive, multigenerational institution — in our classrooms, our research, and our community.
An AFU Campus Committee was established to lead this work — raising awareness of the AFU principles, mapping existing initiatives, and providing strategic advice on embedding age-inclusive practices across teaching, research, and campus life. The committee also monitors progress and will provide annual reports on AFU-related developments.
Our Vision for an Age-Inclusive University
The following reflections came from a facilitated session of the AFU Campus Committee — members sharing, in their own words, what an age-inclusive UWindsor would look like.
"All-ages collaboration in learning — driven by aging research that informs and creates change, so UWindsor is seen as a community champion of aging."
"A vibrant, thriving, multigenerational community."
"More involvement with technology, realizing the need for higher education, more involvement with programs."
"An age-friendly campus with inclusivity for all ages — and clear, visible communication about what is available."
"Seniors see themselves as part of the university."
"A true community where everyone feels they can speak to each other and no one is invisible — where ageism does not exist, from the bottom to the top."
"Exciting research on ageism, and negative assumptions about aging are gone — a genuinely inclusive culture."
"Hope for in-person contact and engagement to continue and grow, with new opportunities to highlight programs and attract support."
AFU Campus Committee
The inaugural committee brings together members from across the university and community — spanning leadership, faculty, accessibility, student associations, and partner organizations. Each member is encouraged to bring a colleague from their area to meetings, deepening the reach and commitment across campus.
| Name | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Baillargeon | OPUS President | [email protected] [email protected] |
| Dora Cavallo-Medved | Director, WE-SPARK Health Institute | [email protected] |
| Marcela Ciampa | Organizational Effectiveness Strategist, Human Resources | [email protected] |
| Gwendolyn Ebbett | WURA President — Windsor University Retirees' Association | [email protected] [email protected] |
| Cherie Gagnon | Accessibility Specialist | [email protected] |
| Sean Horton | Faculty Member, Human Kinetics | [email protected] |
| Erika Kustra | Associate Vice-President, Academic | [email protected] |
| Veronika Mogyorody | WURA Executive Member — Windsor University Retirees' Association | [email protected] |
| Kathy Pfaff | Faculty Member, Nursing | [email protected] |
| George Plantus | UNI-COM President | [email protected] |
| Linda Rohr | Faculty Dean | [email protected] |
To ensure continuity and breadth of engagement, each committee member is encouraged to invite a colleague or "buddy" from their area to meetings. This approach has already helped deepen cross-campus commitment and shared ownership of the AFU work.
The 10 AFU Principles
UWindsor endorses all 10 Age-Friendly University Principles, originally developed by Dublin City University. The four principles marked as priorities guide our strategic focus for 2025–2030.
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1Participation in Core University Activities — Encourage older adults to participate in educational and research programs alongside students of all ages.
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2Second-Career & Personal Development — Promote personal growth and encore careers in the second half of life.
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3Diverse Educational Needs — Recognize the range of educational goals among older adults, from personal enrichment to graduate study.
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4Intergenerational Learning — Promote reciprocal exchange of knowledge between learners of all ages.
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5Online & Distance Education Access — Expand online offerings so older adults can participate regardless of mobility or location.
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6Research Informed by Aging Society Priority — Ensure UWindsor's research reflects the needs of an aging population and promotes public discourse on higher education's role.
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7Education on the Value of Longevity — Increase student understanding of the longevity dividend and the complexity that aging brings to our society.
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8Wellness, Arts & Cultural Access Priority — Enhance older adults' access to health, wellness, and arts programming on and off campus.
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9Engaging the Retired Community Priority #1 — Actively engage UWindsor's retired faculty and staff as mentors, contributors, and partners in campus life.
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10Dialogue with Aging Organizations Priority — Foster ongoing partnerships with organizations representing the interests of older adults.
Programs & Initiatives
The following programs and spaces reflect UWindsor's existing commitment to older adult learners, retirees, and the broader community.
- Sunset House — Retiree Academic HubOpened April 30, 2025, on Sunset Avenue. A dedicated space for retired faculty and staff featuring meeting rooms, individual workspaces, a lounge area, and WURA Executive offices. Fully accessible with close-proximity parking. Planned as a space for mentoring, collaboration, and continued scholarly engagement.
- Windsor University Retirees' Association (WURA)Founded in 1990, WURA (~167 members) offers events, lectures, and standing committee meetings; administers annual travel research grants; and supports students through the WURA Student Scholarship Endowment Fund. [email protected]
- UNI~COM: Lifelong LearningA voluntary organization for individuals 50 and over, offering study groups, speaker luncheons, and cultural programs. Nearly 200 participants annually; 10 courses available in Winter 2025. uwindsor.ca/unicom →
- Toldo Lancer Centre — Adapted FitnessLow-impact fitness programs tailored for older adults, with accessible facilities including elevators, Braille signage, and wheelchair access. uwindsor.ca/lancerrecreation →
- RENEW Exercise ProgramOffered in partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital — subsidized fitness sessions for individuals recovering from cancer. Learn more →
- Tuition Waiver for Learners 65+UWindsor offers access to credit and non-credit courses for older adults, including online options — supporting lifelong learning and participation in university life.
- Guest Lecturing & MentorshipRetired faculty and community professionals are invited to contribute to aging-related courses as guest lecturers and to mentor students through programs such as OPUS.
Aging Research at UWindsor
Faculty across seven academic units have attracted over $700,000 in funding for 17 aging-related projects in the past seven years, with a further $394,400 in in-kind support from partner organizations. UWindsor is also a founding partner of the WE-SPARK Health Institute, a regional research collaboration spanning health care, academia, and community health.
| Project | Lead & Status | Funder | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Adult–Continuing Care Aide Dyad Exercise Program within Home Care Networks | Dr. Shanthi Johnson, Kinesiology Active · $391,430 |
CIHR | Home Care / Falls |
| Sport, Aging and Disability: International Perspectives on Older Adults Living with a Disability | Dr. Sean Horton, Kinesiology Active · $81,170 |
SSHRC | Sport & Inclusion |
| Catalyzing Community Connection: Quality of Life and Population Health Tracker | Dr. Pooya Moradian Zadeh, Computer Science Completed 2023 · $45,000 |
Mitacs | Social Isolation |
| Health Equity among Chinese Seniors in Windsor-Essex | Dr. Wansoo Park, Social Work Active · $24,982 |
SSHRC | Health Equity |
| Cell-Type-Specific mRNA Translation in Alzheimer's Disease | Dr. Vijendra Sharma, Biomedical Sciences Active · $20,000 |
WE-SPARK | Alzheimer's |
| Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults in Windsor-Essex Primary Care | Dr. Ross Lepera, Biomedical Sciences Completed · $13,000 |
Canadian Nutrition Society | Nutrition |
| Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Poor Muscle Repair in Aging | Dr. Matthew Krause, Kinesiology Completed · $10,000 |
WE-SPARK | Muscle Health |
Community Engagement
UWindsor maintains active connections with organizations across Windsor-Essex that serve and represent older adults. Several faculty members are already working with these partners through their research, and further connections are being developed through student placements and a planned community panel.
- Council on Aging Windsor-Essex CountyCommunity development and coordination of services to enhance quality of life for seniors in the region.
- Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex CountySupport, education, and resources for individuals living with dementia and their families.
- Life After FiftyPrograms and services promoting active living and social engagement for older adults.
- Windsor-Essex County Health UnitPublic health programs focused on injury prevention and independence among seniors.
- Windsor Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC)Advocacy body connecting Windsor City Council with the senior population on age-friendly policy.
- Age-Friendly Windsor NetworkA collaborative network implementing strategies to support an age-friendly community in Windsor.
- WE-SPARK Health InstituteRegional health research partnership with Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, and Windsor Regional Hospital.
- CARP Windsor-Essex Chapter (Chapter 7)Events and advocacy on financial security, health care access, and age discrimination for the Windsor-Essex region.
UWindsor hosted Ontario Minister Cho (responsible for seniors) in 2024 and engaged with the Municipality of Lakeshore in 2025. WE-SPARK Think Tanks on healthy aging have drawn 37–60 participants per session since 2022.
Contact & Resources
Related Offices
External Links