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.

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.

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.

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.

• 1
  Participation in Core University Activities — Encourage older adults to participate in educational and research programs alongside students of all ages.
• 2
  Second-Career & Personal Development — Promote personal growth and encore careers in the second half of life.
• 3
  Diverse Educational Needs — Recognize the range of educational goals among older adults, from personal enrichment to graduate study.
• 4
  Intergenerational Learning — Promote reciprocal exchange of knowledge between learners of all ages.
• 5
  Online & Distance Education Access — Expand online offerings so older adults can participate regardless of mobility or location.
• 6
  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.
• 7
  Education on the Value of Longevity — Increase student understanding of the longevity dividend and the complexity that aging brings to our society.
• 8
  Wellness, Arts & Cultural Access UWIN PRIority — Enhance older adults' access to health, wellness, and arts programming on and off campus.
• 9
  Engaging the Retired Community UWIN PRIORITY — Actively engage UWindsor's retired faculty and staff as mentors, contributors, and partners in campus life.
• 10
  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.

• 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. 
• 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 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 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 both Provincial and Federal governments in 2024 and 2025, which included Ontario Minister, Raymond Cho (responsible for seniors), in 2024 and the Municipality of Lakeshore in 2025. WE-SPARK Think Tanks on healthy aging have drawn 37–60 participants per session since 2022.

Contact & Resources