UCLA
Age-Friendly University

Principle 7

To increase the understanding of students of the longevity dividend and the increasing complexity and richness that aging brings to our society.

1. Cluster Course: Frontiers in Human Aging
a. A unique yearlong undergraduate cluster (Cluster 80) titled Frontiers in Human Aging.

  • Highlights: Explores the scientific, social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of aging. Includes hands-on learning through elder interviews and community engagement.
  • Helps students understand aging as both biologically influenced and socially constructed, fostering awareness of the longevity dividend—the enhanced value and opportunity of longer lives (Undergraduate Education Initiatives).

2. Public Affairs Courses with Depth on Aging PUB AFF M130
a. Biomedical, Social, and Policy Frontiers in Human Aging: Examines human aging through an interdisciplinary lens (biological, psychological, sociological, and policy perspectives).

  • Encourages students to consider how life events shape later life trajectories and how society can benefit from aging.
  • UCLA Luskin PUB AFF M131 – Diversity in Aging: Roles of Gender and Ethnicity: Investigates how aging processes and experiences vary across gender and ethnic lines.
  • Deepens student understanding of the diverse dimensions and societal richness that aging entails.

3. Instructor-Designed Course with Intergenerational Engagement
a. Course by Associate Professor Lené Levy‑Storms: “Frontiers in Human Aging: Biomedical, Psychosocial and Policy Perspectives”

  • Integrates rigorous academic content with a formal community-engaged component. Encourages students to become "ambassadors" for aging, fostering intergenerational communication, empathy, and appreciation for how aging enriches society.

4. MSTAR Program — Medical Student Training in Aging Research
a. An intensive NIH-funded summer research program for medical students focusing on aging and geriatrics.

  • Why it matters for Principle 7: Exposes future physicians to geriatrics and aging-related research early in their careers.
  • Raises awareness of healthcare's aging-related complexities and the long-term societal benefits of investing in healthy aging.

5. UCLA Longevity Center Programs Senior Scholars Program:
a. Allows older adults (50+) to audit UCLA undergraduate courses, fostering intergenerational engagement within academic settings. This enriches students’ understanding of aging through proximity and shared learning. Semel Institute +1

  • Public Webinars and Lifelong Learning (Brain Boot Camp, Memory Training): Open to both students and the wider community, they spotlight aging-related topics like brain health, cognitive resilience, and wellness.
  • Educates students about aging as an enriching and active phase of life.