Center for Aging & Community

When the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC) was first launched as a university-based Center of Excellence in 2001, it did so with expectations that it would have a transformative effect on older adults in Indianapolis, the state, the region and beyond, as well as on the university. More than 20 years later, those expectations have been fulfilled, and the Center is continuing to find new ways to positively impact lives.

Impact on the community, state, and region

CAC's strength comes from the ability to partner with aging network organizations to help meet their needs, bringing the expertise and capability of the university to help organizations solve real world problems related to aging. CAC's work has included providing education and training to nursing homes on topics ranging from infection prevention to the use of expressive arts to COVID-19 management, quality improvement in long term care, and reviewing and providing input on state-level policies that affect older adults. CAC has worked with government agencies, organizations and non-profits in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee. 

about our consulting projects

Impact on the university

When CAC began operations in 2001, UIndy didn't have the infrastructure for doing large-scale grant and contract work; there was no Institutional Review Board, no grants office, no accounting framework to manage this kind of work. Now, thanks to the leadership of CAC, the university has many of the processes and policies in place, making it easier for everyone on campus to engage in grants and contracted work.

In addition, CAC has been deliberate about being a good partner to campus, providing service through efforts such as Memory Cafes, the Caregiver Resource Group, and presentations such as Dementia Friends and the Virtual Dementia Tour.

about our community outreach

Help CAC continue its work

You can help CAC continue its work with a financial contribution. Gifts to CAC may be used to provide training and education to those who work with older adults, implement resources and programs benefiting family caregivers, provide education such as the Virtual Dementia Tour for the general public, and host the annual Grand Camp for grandparents and their young grandchildren.

Give to CAC

Age-Friendly University

The University of Indianapolis was accepted into the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network in 2024. We are proud to be just the second university in Indiana to join this prestigious network of over 110 universities worldwide (and growing) that promotes age-inclusivity and intergenerational understanding.

about our AFU membership