Overview
The University of Windsor, a member of the AFU Global Network, affirms its commitment to the Ten Principles of the Age-Friendly University (AFU). Located in Windsor–Essex, one of Ontario’s most rapidly aging regions, this commitment reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive, multigenerational institution across our teaching, research, and community engagement.
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
Creating institutional vision for being an Age-Friendly University – member input (Quotes). This was an output of a facilitated process of the UWIN: Age-Friendly University Campus Committee.
"All aged collaboration in learning that is data driven by aging research that helps to inform and create change so we can be seen as a community champion of aging."
"More involvement with technology, realizing the need for higher education, more involvement with programs."
"Seniors see themselves as part of the university."
"True community where everyone feels that they can speak to each other, and no one is invisible; ageism does not exist from the bottom to the top; during COVID – sense of agency (taking risk to make change) among people diminished."
"Vibrant, thriving, multigenerational community."
"Age-Friendly campus, inclusivity with all ages, awareness programs, social media/advertisements to show what is available."
"Exciting research on ageism and is doubled, negative aging is gone; inclusive."
"Changes in programs being offered – certain programs may not be as relevant, expect to see more attention given to fundraising and grants; may not be as much interest in senior programs but good opportunity to highlight those programs; hope for in-person contact and engagement to continue and grow."
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.
Shanthi Johnson
Chair and Champion
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Clinton Beckford
Co-Champion
Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion
Erika Kustra
Associate Vice-President, Academic
Linda Rohr
Faculty Dean
Sean Horton
Faculty Member, Human Kinetics
Kathy Pfaff
Faculty Member, Nursing
Dora Cavallo-Medved
Director, WE-SPARK Health Institute
Marcela Ciampa
Organizational Effectiveness Strategist, Human Resources
Gwendolyn Ebbett
WURA President — Windsor University Retirees' Association
Veronika Mogyorody
WURA Executive Member — Windsor University Retirees' Association
Cherie Gagnon
Accessibility Specialist
George Plantus
UNI-COM President
Chris Baillargeon
OPUS President
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.
Participation in Core University Activities — Encourage older adults to participate in educational and research programs alongside students of all ages.
Second-Career & Personal Development — Promote personal growth and encore careers in the second half of life
Diverse Educational Needs — Recognize the range of educational goals among older adults, from personal enrichment to graduate study.
Intergenerational Learning — Promote reciprocal exchange of knowledge between learners of all ages.
Online & Distance Education Access — Expand online offerings so older adults can participate regardless of mobility or location.
Research Informed by Aging Society UWIN PRIORITY — Ensure UWindsor's research reflects the needs of an aging population and promotes public discourse on higher education's role.
Education on the Value of Longevity — Increase student understanding of the longevity dividend and the complexity that aging brings to our society.
Wellness, Arts & Cultural Access UWIN PRIORITY — Enhance older adults' access to health, wellness, and arts programming on and off campus.
Engaging the Retired Community UWIN PRIORITY — Actively engage UWindsor's retired faculty and staff as mentors, contributors, and partners in campus life.
Dialogue with Aging Organizations UWIN 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.
Low-impact fitness programs tailored for older adults, with accessible facilities including elevators, Braille signage, and wheelchair access. uwindsor.ca/lancerrecreation
Offered in partnership with Windsor Regional Hospital — subsidized fitness sessions for individuals recovering from cancer. Learn more
UWindsor offers access to credit and non-credit courses for older adults, including online options — supporting lifelong learning and participation in university life.
Retired 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 eight academic units at the University of Windsor are actively engaged in aging-related research, working collaboratively to address the opportunities and challenges of an aging population. UWindsor is also a founding partner of the WE-SPARK Health Institute, a regional research collaboration that brings together health care organizations, academic institutions, and community partners to advance health research and innovation.
Community Engagement
UWindsor seeks to develop and enhance connections with organizations across Windsor-Essex that serve and represent older adults. Several faculty members are actively engaged with these partners through their research, teaching, and service to the community.
Public health programs focused on injury prevention and independence among seniors.
Advocacy body connecting Windsor City Council with the senior population on age-friendly policy.
A collaborative network implementing strategies to support an age-friendly community in Windsor.
Events and advocacy on financial security, health care access, and age discrimination for the Windsor-Essex region.
Contact & Resources
AFU Enquiries
University of Windsor
401 Sunset Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4
519-253-3000