Longevity Innovations in Higher Education Summit and AFU GN North American Regional Meeting
Arizona State University (Tempe Campus)

By 2034, there will be more people over the age of 60 than under 18 for the first time in history. This macro trend is occurring globally due to decreasing birth rates and increased age lifespace. It will have profound implications for the education sector. Higher education is in need of aspirational models and innovative approaches to prepare for the future of our age-diverse society.

Since 2023, Arizona State University has been the home of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN), a coalition of 100+ colleges and universities around the world that have earned the AFU designation and are committed to 10 principles of including older adults into the university.

For the first time ever, this convening will bring together AFUGN member institutions from across North America, as well as leaders of higher ed institutions and organizations across all sectors who are developing longevity innovations in higher education. This includes university retirement communities, midlife transition programs, cogeneration programs, and other strategic initiatives.

Tentative Agenda

Day 0: Pre-Conference 
Summit Site Deep Dive: Mirabella at ASU and the Business of University Retirement Communities. Include optional affiliate group dinners.

Day 1 

Theme: Shining a Light on Longevity Innovations in Higher Education
Objective: Define the challenge and opportunity of longevity innovations in the higher education sector. Define promising clusters of existing innovation and highlight exemplars in each cluster.

Day 2

Theme: Illuminating the Way Forward
Objective: Collectively imagine aspirational futures that inspire new longevity innovations.

  • Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU (adjacent to Mirabella)
    The Westin Tempe (across the street from Mirabella)
    Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown (across the street from Mirabella)
    Sonesta Select Tempe Downtown
    Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University
    University Inn Tempe/ASU
    Tempe Mission Palms, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel
    Hyatt House Tempe/Phoenix/University goes here

Organizers and Collaborators
Since 2023, Arizona State University has served as the home of the Age-Friendly University Global Network (AFUGN), a coalition of more than 100 institutions worldwide committed to integrating older adults into university life. For the first time, this summit will convene AFUGN member institutions across North America alongside leaders from aligned associations such as The NEXEL Collaborative, University Retirement Communities, Campus CoGenerate, and the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.

Details

Location
Mirabella at ASU
65 E University Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281

Dates
March 11-13, 2026

Registration Cost

Early Bird Pricing
Through December 31, 2025

$300 AFUGN member institution
$400 non-member
$150 pre-conference

Regular Pricing (January 1 through March 11, 2025)

$300 AFUGN member institution
$450 non-member
$200 pre-conference

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