APRU Mini Certificate in Global Aging

The APRU Global Health Mini Certificate in Global Aging is a free, virtual, and interactive training program designed for students with limited backgrounds in aging. Join students from around the world to develop competencies to understand global issues around demographic aging. It is developed by the APRU Global Health Program in collaboration with the Working Group on Aging.

The course includes lectures taught in English by six aging specialists, supported by approximately 30 experts who facilitate breakout sessions and small group discussions. Participants will also complete about one hour of online homework via the shared course website.

Background

The world is undergoing a profound demographic transformation as populations age at an unprecedented rate. Advances in healthcare, nutrition, and living standards have extended life expectancy, while declining birth rates are reshaping the age structure of societies. This global trend presents both significant challenges and promising opportunities.

The Mini Certificate in Global Aging offers an interactive three-session training that explores the multifaceted implications of global aging. Key topics include:

• Demographic trends shaping the future of societies
• Societal impacts of aging on economies, healthcare systems, and social structures
• Ageism and its effects on older adults’ participation and well-being
• Pathways to healthy aging, with a focus on prevention, active lifestyles, and inclusive support systems
• Innovative approaches to designing for aged societies, ensuring that physical, digital, and social environments meet the needs of older populations

Together, these discussions will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of aging as a defining global issue and provide practical strategies for fostering more age-inclusive communities.

Target Audience

Target audience is undergraduate and graduate students of fields not related to aging or demography from APRU-member universities. The course is aimed at students seeking an introduction in global settings and who do not necessarily wish to undertake a semester-long course. It is particularly relevant to students from disciplines affected by global aging: namely economics, business administration, education, planning, social and public policy, architecture and design, health, international affairs, law and philosophy, among many others.

Learning Objectives

1. Outline global and regional demographic trends and the main drivers of these trends
2. Describe some of the local examples of demographic aging and their consequences for society
3. Explain the importance of aging for planning, research and industry, in Global North and South contexts
4. Analyze the implications of global aging on communities and societies (healthcare systems, social policies, labor markets, etc.)
5. Define ageism and its impact on older adults’ opportunities, participation, and dignity.
6. Describe the UN Decade on Healthy Ageing’s key action areas
7. Identify design principles and other innovations for creating age-friendly communities and to improve quality of life for older adults.

Program & Requisite

Each session consists of two lectures, each featuring a 20-minute talk by an expert speaker. Following the lectures, students will join 30-minute virtual breakout rooms to discuss case studies and/or complete interactive exercise designed to concretize the key concepts.

The training is exclusive for students from APRU member universities. All instruction and coursework will be conducted in English. Cameras must be turned on during the sessions.