About UIndy's Center for Aging & Community

 

Young girl kissing her Grandmother on the cheek 

Quality of life for all people as they age

  • Our Mission: The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community collaborates, educates, and conducts research to enhance the quality of life for all people as they age.
  • Our Vision: The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community is a catalyst for change that leads to a world in which all people age with dignity and optimal health.
  • Our Philosophy: We believe in moving beyond the medical model of aging, viewing older adults holistically and recognizing them as community assets. Our programs, policies, and partnerships promote positive aging and age-friendly communities in practical, meaningful ways.
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What Makes CAC Different

grandparent planting with a child

We Bridge Gaps

Between research and practice. Between policy and people. Between generations. We make connections that create lasting change.

middle-aged man smiling

We Build Capacity

At UIndy, in organizations we partner with, and across the aging services field. When we began in 2001, UIndy didn't have the infrastructure for large-scale grant work. Today, because of CAC's leadership, the University has robust systems that benefit everyone on campus.

senior woman with younger woman in hospital

We Show Up

In nursing homes, providing COVID-19 management training. In community centers hosting Memory Cafés. In classrooms, preparing future leaders. In state offices, reviewing policy. Wherever the work needs to happen, we're there.

CAC's Rich History

Twenty-five years ago, a bold idea took root at the University of Indianapolis: What if we brought together research, education, and community action to transform how people experience aging?

That idea became the Center for Aging & Community. And in the years since, we've:

  • Built infrastructure that enables impactful research university-wide.
  • Provided training and consultation throughout the United States.
  • Created community programs that bring connection and support to older adults and caregivers.
  • Influenced state and regional policy affecting how people age.
  • Established partnerships that create lasting change.

Our story is in the lives changed, the problems solved, the connections made, and the future we're building together. More than two decades later, those expectations have been fulfilled many times over. This is the story of how we got here.

The Beginning: 2001 | A Vision Takes Root

In 2001, with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the University of Indianapolis established the Center for Aging & Community. The vision was clear: bridge higher education and community to champion older adults as assets, not burdens.

At the time, UIndy didn't have the infrastructure for this work—no IRB, no grants office, no framework for large-scale projects–but there was commitment, and that made all the difference. CAC didn't just build programs; it helped build the systems that enabled the entire university to grow.

Expanding Impact: 2010-2020 | Growing Beyond Borders

What started as local work in Indianapolis grew statewide, then multi-state. CAC became known for turning policy into practice, consulting in Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Tennessee, while launching community programs like Memory Cafés and Dementia Friends Indiana. Partnerships with WFYI brought aging issues to public media through documentaries like "Fleeced" and the "When Did I Get Old?" video series.

Leading the Way Forward: 2020-Present

During COVID-19, CAC rapidly deployed critical training to senior living facilities across the state. In 2024, UIndy joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network—the second in Indiana. Today, CAC continues to expand caregiver education, develop certificate programs for senior living professionals, and build partnerships for age-friendly communities.

Recent achievements:

  • 2024: University of Indianapolis accepted into Age-Friendly University Global Network (second in Indiana)
  • Pandemic Response: Rapid deployment of COVID-19 training and support for senior living providers
  • Community Innovation: Virtual programs expanding access to support and education
  • Policy Influence: Continued consultation on state-level aging policy

Current Initiatives:

  • Expanding caregiver education and support
  • Developing stackable certificate programs in senior living care
  • Growing Mental Health First Aid training for aging services
  • Building partnerships for age-friendly community initiatives
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