DCU Age-Friendly University

DCU Age-Friendly University 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 Dublin City University Age-Friendly University programme participated in the International Dementia Conference 2026, where AFU researcher Dr Waqar Ahmed delivered a presentation entitled Promoting Dementia-Friendly Cultural Participation in Ireland. The paper formed part of the Erasmus+ MEMORABLE project. The Annual International Dementia Conference 2026 was organised by Engaging Dementia. The event brought together people living with dementia, family carers, practitioners, researchers, and service providers for expert talks, panel discussions, and professional exchange. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Dr Ahmed’s presentation reported findings from the Erasmus+ MEMORABLE cooperation partnership in adult education, co-funded by the European Union. The research at DCU Age-Friendly University Unit examined how creative and cultural activities can support inclusion and well-being for people living with dementia in Ireland. The project responded to increasing policy interest in dementia-inclusive cultural spaces, while recognising uneven provision, regional disparities, and limited cross-sector coordination. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 Across Europe, partners in the MEMORABLE project continue to collaborate, sharing research, lived experience, and cultural practice to co-create a curriculum that advances dementia-inclusive cultural participation. Follow updates on the MEMORABLE project website: https://memorable-project.eu/

𝐃𝐂𝐔 𝐀𝐠𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 2026 AFU researcher Dr Waqar Ahmed will present “Promoting Dementia-Friendly Cultural Participation in Ireland” from the DCU Age-Friendly University initiative’s Erasmus+ MEMORABLE project at the International Dementia Conference 2026. Organised by Engaging Dementia, the Annual International Dementia Conference 2026’s theme, Let’s Keep Connecting: Personally, Professionally and Purposefully, will frame expert talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities involving people living with dementia, family carers, practitioners, researchers, and service providers. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 Dr Ahmed’s presentation, Promoting Dementia-Friendly Cultural Participation in Ireland, reports findings from the Erasmus+ MEMORABLE cooperation partnership in adult education, co-funded by the European Union. The research was led by DCU’s Age-Friendly University Unit and examined how creative and cultural activities can support inclusion and well-being for people living with dementia in Ireland. The study combined desk research and stakeholder interviews. Participants included people living with dementia, family carers, cultural workers, programme coordinators, library staff, facilitators, and a researcher. The project addressed growing policy interest in dementia-inclusive cultural spaces, while recognising uneven provision, regional disparities, and limited cross-sector coordination. Further details about the MEMORABLE project are available at: https://memorable-project.eu/

We are delighted to extend an invitation to you to attend the annual "Taste of DCU", a unique event designed by the DCU Age-Friendly University unit to showcase the range of research and opportunities at DCU. This event is tailored to provide you with a comprehensive experience of the wide range of courses, activities, and opportunities at Dublin City University. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills, pursue new educational interests, or simply explore what goes on at DCU, this event is for you. Event Details: Date: Monday, August 31 2026 Location: School of Nursing, DCU Glasnevin Campus Time: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Schedule Previous Attendees: If you have previously attended a "Taste of DCU" event, you are invited to arrive at 9:15 am. First-Time Attendees: If this is your first time attending, we invite you to register from 8:30 am alongside the other attendees. This will give you the full experience of the welcome session and initial activities. Join us for an enriching experience where you can meet with DCU staff and students, attend a variety of presentations, lectures, and workshops, and learn more about the diverse activities and opportunities available at DCU. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event! Register here: https://forms.gle/YUiA6Qcp7gCy5EiR8

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬- 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 DCU Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative invites you to be part of an important European conversation at its international conference, taking place in Dublin on 22–23 October 2026. Held during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union, this event will bring together voices from across Europe and beyond to explore how we respond to one of the defining challenges of our time, demographic change and the need for greater intergenerational fairness. As people live longer and societies evolve, questions of how we learn, work and support one another across generations have never been more urgent. This conference creates a space for meaningful dialogue between researchers, policymakers, practitioners and communities, all working towards more inclusive and sustainable futures. Led by Dublin City University and the Age-Friendly University Global Network (Europe), the conference reflects a growing European approach to age-friendly higher education, one that recognises universities as civic anchors, connecting knowledge, policy, and lived experience to drive real change. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 We welcome contributions that explore lifelong learning, inclusive workplaces, intergenerational collaboration, policy innovation and health and wellbeing across the life course. Above all, we are interested in ideas and practices that help build fairer systems where opportunity and responsibility are shared across generations. Join us in shaping a collective vision for the future, one where learning, earning and living well are possible at every stage of life. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒎𝒊𝒕 Submit your abstracts and papers via the conference submission page on the conference website! Check out our Early Bird rates Find out more at 𝙝𝙩𝙩𝙥𝙨://𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩.𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠/ Shaping Europe’s future together, across generations.

𝗗𝗖𝗨 𝗔𝗙𝗨 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 ‘𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀’ 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 We were delighted to host our annual ‘Ageless Expressions’ art exhibition, celebrating the creativity and achievements of participants across a range of lifelong learning programmes. The exhibition featured a diverse collection of work produced throughout the semester, reflecting the talent, dedication, and individual expression of those involved. It offered participants an opportunity to present their work publicly, engage with peers, and mark their creative development. Alongside the visual display, attendees enjoyed readings by members of the Creative Writing module, whose performances demonstrated strong narrative voice and reflective insight. The programme also included live performances from the Folk Music class, contributing to a lively and engaging atmosphere. The event enabled visitors to experience the exhibited work while hearing directly from participants about the modules and learning processes that informed their creations. These reflections added depth and personal context to the exhibition. A strong sense of pride and community was evident throughout the event, reflecting the ethos of the Age-Friendly University Initiative. Check our website for more details: 𝒉𝒕𝒕𝒑𝒔://𝒘𝒘𝒘.𝒅𝒄𝒖.𝒊𝒆/𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚/𝒂𝒇𝒖-𝒂𝒓𝒕-𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

DCU Age-Friendly University 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 DCU Age-Friendly University has published its submission to the Department of Health consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework, informed by participant insights shared during a public webinar. DCU Age-Friendly University’s submission to the Department of Health consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework was informed by a public webinar hosted by AFU on Wednesday, 15 April. The webinar invited participants to share their views on the future direction of health and wellbeing policy in Ireland, with particular attention to ageing, inclusion, participation, and equitable access to health supports. The Department of Health is developing a new Healthy Ireland Framework to guide national health and wellbeing policy over the coming years. As part of the public consultation process, DCU Age-Friendly University gathered perspectives from participants with lived experience, professional knowledge, and community-based expertise. The discussion addressed several key areas, including awareness of Healthy Ireland, the needs of older adults and under-served groups, factors affecting health and well-being, barriers to participation, and priorities for the next ten years. Participants also reflected on the need for more inclusive consultation processes, clearer communication, stronger community engagement, and greater recognition of the social conditions that shape health across the life course. The DCU Age-Friendly University submission brings these insights together as a contribution to national policy development. It reflects DCU AFU’s continued commitment to age-friendly practice, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and evidence-informed public discussion. Thank you to everyone who shared their insights and expertise during the webinar. Their contributions helped shape the final submission to the Department of Health. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: https://www.dcu.ie/age.../afu-submission-new-healthy-ireland

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Celebrated at DCU DCU Age-Friendly University Initiative was delighted to host the Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2026 on the DCU Glasnevin Campus, bringing together schools, youth groups, and community participants from across Ireland to celebrate outstanding intergenerational initiatives. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 align with the goals of the 𝐸𝑈 𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, championing a future where all ages connect and thrive together. Now running for over a decade, these annual awards recognise projects that foster meaningful connections between younger and older generations through creativity, learning, and shared experiences. The recipients were presented with their awards earlier today at a ceremony on DCU’s Glasnevin Campus. At the ceremony, AFU Coordinator, Dr. Christine O'Kelly spoke about how intergenerational engagement can strengthen communities, promote mutual understanding, and create lasting social impact. 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 ✨🎉 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 🥇 Gold Award – St Paul’s Primary School, Roscommon 🥈 Silver Award – Bunscoil Rís / Edmund Rice Senior School 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 🏆Platinum Award – Dominican College, Galway 🥇 Gold Award – KH Community, King’s Hospital School 🥈 Silver Award – Maynooth Community College 🥉Bronze Award – Ard Scoil Phádraig 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 🏆 Platinum Award – St Patrick’s Comprehensive School 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 🥇Gold Award – 2nd Port of Dunmore East Sea Scouts The AFU team was delighted to host such an inspiring group of participants and looks forward to welcoming even more schools and organisations to the DCU Intergenerational Solidarity Awards 2027. For more information, visit our website here: https://lnkd.in/dE3pmAMC

Songs of Our Selves - A Shared Singing Event at The Lark 🎼💞 Funded by DCU Arts and Culture and DCU Age-Friendly University, this warm and inclusive community singing event celebrates the richness of Irish folksong. Bringing together participants from DCU’s Age-Friendly University programme and the Sing Social Club, audiences are invited to experience Irish song as a living tradition shaped by memory, storytelling, and shared participation. Led by Dr Seán Doherty (DCU School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music) in collaboration with Dr Michael Dawson (Irish Institute for Music and Song), the session will feature a relaxed and informal atmosphere where songs are taught aurally and everyone is welcome to join in. No prior musical experience is required, just come along and take part! - When: Sunday, 31st May 12.30pm Where: The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan 🔗 Tickets available via link in bio - @thelarkdublin @seandcomposer @dublincityuniversity @dcu_library @dcustudentlife_ @dcuvolunteer @dcu_ssd @dcualumni @dcu_ioe @dcuagefriendly @dcu.global @dcu_humanities_social_science

DCU AFU Contributes to Launch of UNESCO Learning Cities Festival DCU AFU contributed to the launch of the UNESCO Learning Cities Festival in Ballybough, where the theme of Belonging placed people, community, and participation at the heart of lifelong learning. DCU AFU Coordinator, Dr Christine O’Kelly highlighted DCU’s leadership in inclusive education and the pioneering achievements of the Age-Friendly University initiative.

It was a privilege to welcome Prof Marvin Formosa, from the University of Malta, to Dublin City University for a thought-provoking DCU Age-Friendly University event, marking the launch of DCU’s contribution to the UNESCO Learning Cities Festival. Professor Formosa’s presentation offered a powerful and critical reflection on the development of lifelong learning in later life, tracing five decades of progress while challenging us to address persistent gaps in access, inclusion, and policy ambition. He highlighted the transformative benefits of later-life learning, supporting cognitive, social, and psychological wellbeing, while also addressing difficult realities, including the persistence of ageism, structural inequalities, and the risk of exclusion within even well-intentioned programmes. His emphasis on moving beyond participation towards genuine inclusion, particularly for those in the “fourth age” and in care settings, resonated strongly. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. - Reposition lifelong learning as a core element of ageing policy - Invest across the life course, including pre-retirement and later-life transitions - Embed intergenerational learning as a driver of social solidarity - Ensure no one is excluded from learning due to health, mobility, or circumstance The event reaffirmed the central role of universities as civic anchors in shaping inclusive, age-friendly societies. It also reinforced the value of aligning local initiatives with global frameworks such as UNESCO’s Learning Cities movement.

Ageless Expressions: Celebrating Creative Contributions 🖼️ You are invited to a vibrant exhibition celebrating the artistic talents and achievements of participants in Age-Friendly University (AFU) programmes over the past year.🎨🖼️ The event offers an opportunity to explore a diverse collection of creative work, from visual art to literature and music, reflecting the passion, imagination, and lifelong learning of older adults engaged in AFU initiatives. Join us to celebrate these meaningful contributions to our community and cultural life. 🏢 Venue: The Hive, U Building, DCU Glasnevin Campus ⏰ Date and time: Thursday 30 April, 11.30 am to 1.00 pm All are welcome. Register here https://forms.gle/SBQaJsACWrurxjPRA

DCU Age-Friendly University is pleased to announce that Songs of Our Selves, a shared singing event, has been awarded funding under the DCU Arts and Culture Funding Scheme 2025/26. Led by Dr Seán Doherty of DCU in collaboration with Dr Michael Dawson of the Irish Institute for Music and Song, the project will bring together participants from the DCU Age-Friendly University Irish folksong module and members of the Sing Social Club for a community singing event at The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, on Sunday 31 May at 12.00 pm. Songs of Our Selves will offer a warm and inclusive space for shared singing, storytelling, and social connection through Irish folksong. The event connects DCU teaching and research with local cultural life in North Dublin while supporting participation in the arts for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience. Following the welcoming ethos of Sing Social Club, songs will be taught aurally and informally, with all participants invited to join in. Where appropriate, attendees may also share brief memories or reflections linked to particular songs. The session places participation at the centre, with no auditions, no sheet music, and no prior musical experience required. Irish folksong remains a vital part of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage, carrying stories of migration, labour, community, love, and everyday life. By bringing together academic research, lifelong learning, and community arts practice, Songs of Our Selves highlights song as a living cultural tradition sustained through memory and collective participation. The event will also strengthen collaboration between DCU, the Irish Institute for Music and Song, and local cultural organisations, while supporting intergenerational engagement, wellbeing, and cultural belonging through shared music-making. Further details will be shared by DCU Age-Friendly University in advance of the event. Register here for tickets: https://thelark.ie/event/songs-of-ourselves-a-shared-singing-event/