An age-friendly university initiative: emeriti professors' interest in intergenerational activities

Abstract The Age-Friendly University (AFU) Climate Survey (in collaboration with UMass Boston) in 2019 identified the need to engage the University’s own emeriti professors; this need reflects the AFU Principle 9. The objective of this study was to explore emeriti professor’s perspectives and areas of interest in intergenerational activities. After IRB approval, an online Qualtrics survey was sent to 315 emeriti professors. Eighty-six (27.3%) participants responded to the survey. About 60% reported interest in guest lecturing either online or face-to-face, and 48% reported interest in sharing retirement experiences with students. In addition to descriptive statistics this paper will present the analysis of open-ended questions relating to intergenerational education, research, service activities and their interest in establishing an emeriti association as a venue to connect with the University. The AFU principles will be discussed in the context of engaging emeriti professors in intergenerational relationships benefiting both students and the University.