Annual General Meeting

Dr. Christine O’Kelly of Dublin City University in Ireland is the Coordinator of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (https://www.afugn.org/).  Her work has significantly contributed to fostering international collaboration and embedding age inclusivity in institutional frameworks.

Dr. O'Kelly's expertise encompasses organizational management, strategic planning, change leadership, conflict resolution, event coordination, capacity building, and the development of sustainable community university partnerships. She has a particular interest in institutional transformation, with a focus on promoting inclusive, age-friendly practices in higher education.

She holds a Master’s degree in Community and Voluntary Leadership and a Doctorate in Education (Leadership). A published author and sought-after consultant, she has contributed to both national and international publications, offering strategic insights and practical tools for institutions seeking to implement and sustain the Age-Friendly University model. Her work bridges academic research and practical application, supporting policy development and systemic change.

Summary of her talk on the topic of “Positive Aging, Intergenerational Solidarity, and the Role of Higher Education.”

Dr. O’Kelly’s talk, delivered in her delightful Irish accent, was inspirational for its focus on seeing beyond limitations to aging as a time of growth and thriving, and new possibilities for continuing to contribute to the larger community. 

By focusing on aging as a natural and important part of the human journey, Dr. O’Kelly sketched a portrait of positive aging as a stage rich with potential for growth through life-long learning, and for fulfillment and ongoing participation in one’s community. She focused on four behaviours or attitudes to cultivate. First, she underscored the need for growth through new learning as we navigate an ever-changing world.  Second, she emphasized the need for resilience, so that we can adapt as needed, and recover from inevitable challenges. Third, she stressed the need to actively nurture optimism so that we can maintain perspective and openness. Finally, she focused on the need for purpose in life, so that we continue to “give back” and contribute to the broader community.  In her words, these are precisely the same behaviours and attitudes that have carried us through the decades preceding retirement. In sum, her suggestions to embrace well-being through activity and connections with others and to cultivate a sense of purpose in life, correspond exactly to what is essential for well-being at every stage of life.

Dr. O’Kelly provided examples of how the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in promoting connections, cooperation and shared accountability.  She also provided examples at different universities of intergenerational collaboration and how higher education is uniquely positioned to champion intergenerational solidarity. Her talk was especially well-timed as York prepares an application for accreditation as an Age-Friendly University and as YURA envisions how best to celebrate its 40^th anniversary and plan for its future as an association of retirees.