On February 4, 2026, UC Berkeley announced its official recognition as an Age-Friendly University (AFU) by the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFU-GN)—an international consortium of higher education institutions committed to inclusive, age-responsive environments for learning, research, and community engagement across the lifespan.
This designation reflects UC Berkeley’s sustained effort towards excellence in education, research, and public service at every stage of life. Berkeley is the second campus in the UC system to receive this recognition, following UCLA.
The AFU designation is a result of the long-term commitment of co-leads Cary Sweeney, UCB Retirement Center Director, and Susan Hoffman, Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning and Director of the UC Berkeley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, to inclusion and belonging across the lifespan. Susan shared “Our campus team will engage with this international network to integrate older adults into the university’s teaching, learning, and research, deepening our understanding of the lifespan and the wisdom of elders.” Cary shared her excitement for becoming an Age-Friendly University, “I’m thrilled to celebrate UC Berkeley’s Age-Friendly University endorsement. It embraces aging and retirement as a time of continued purpose, connection, and contribution.”
Chancellor Rich Lyons and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ben Hermalin have emphasized that UC Berkeley’s Principles of Community prioritize access to an environment where people at every stage of life can remain engaged and contribute meaningfully. These values align closely with the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University, reinforcing Berkeley’s leadership in advancing age-friendly practices and supporting innovation locally and globally.
The application for the AFU initiative at UC Berkeley was co-led by Susan Hoffman, Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning and Director of the UC Berkeley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI@Berkeley), and Cary Sweeney, Director of the UC Berkeley Retirement Center (UCBRC). Advisory Task Force members include the directors of the Center on the Economics and Demography of Aging (CEDA), William Dow; the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services (CASAS), Angie Perone; the Re-entry Student Program, Anna Hilke; and the Emerita Dean of the School of Social Welfare, Lorraine Midanik; bringing together campus expertise to support the initiative’s research, educational, and service goals.
To learn more about UC Berkeley’s Age-Friendly University initiative and explore opportunities to get involved, please send the Task Force a note using this form or contact co-chairs: Susan Hoffman shoffman@berkeley.edu or Cary Sweeney cary.sweeney@berkeley.edu.
