Aging & Community
Programs & Partnerships
Ask the Expert with Dr. Marwa Noureldin
This month, we launch Ask the Expert, a new series featuring interviews with experts in the field of aging. Topics will be wide-ranging, highlighting both key insights and innovations in the field. The series is moderated by Georgene Nitzsche, Assistant Professor of Aging Studies at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy).
Our first guest is Dr. Marwa Noureldin, Program Director for the Aging Studies and Healthcare Administration programs at UIndy. Following the university’s acceptance into the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network in 2024, Dr. Noureldin has played a key role in advancing and supporting AFU initiatives across campus.
Welcome, Dr. Noureldin. To begin, could you explain what it means for both the community and the university to be an Age-Friendly University?
Being selected as an Age-Friendly University (AFU), the second university in Indiana to join this global network, demonstrates a significant commitment by UIndy to lead in age-inclusivity and promote positive and healthy aging, enhancing the lives of older members of our community. Our population is aging, and currently in Marion County, approximately 136,000 residents (13.9% of the population) are aged 65 and older.
By 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history, and UIndy is evolving to meet that moment. We are moving beyond the traditional 'college-aged' focus to view older adults as vital learners, educators, and partners. By endorsing the 10 AFU Principles, the university is creating educational opportunities accessible to learners of all ages and cultivating intergenerational connections within our community. For the Indianapolis community, this designation strengthens local partnerships with aging-focused organizations and builds on the initiatives currently being implemented by the Center for Aging & Community, UIndy Online and the Sease Institute, and others throughout UIndy. These include engaging beyond educational endeavors, and seeking service learning opportunities and cultural activities. This commitment to being an AFU ensures that as the Indianapolis population evolves, the city’s educational and cultural infrastructure supports residents in staying engaged, healthy, and connected throughout their lives.
What will success look like in five years as an AFU— and how will that success be visible across the broader Indianapolis community?
In five years, success will mean that UIndy is no longer defined by 'traditional' student cohorts, but by educational access throughout the life course. These are not just aspirations; the university is already working to ensure we offer educational opportunities to learners of all ages and experiences and improved access to these opportunities through various learning modalities. The broader community will view the University of Indianapolis as a forward-thinking institution that embodies the value of inclusive, accessible and intergenerational learning. We will also cement UIndy’s commitment to our students, faculty, staff and alumni to ensure age-friendly perspectives in everything we do.
