International conference to establish the Central European Network of Senior Universities

The role of universities in support of active ageing

Ageing, social challenges, solutions

In view of demographic and economic changes, and reflecting the challenges of an ageing society, it has become increasingly important for universities in many countries around the world to focus their operations and strategic objectives on the experience of an ageing population, and on meeting their educational, scientific, cultural, artistic and cultural needs. The challenges of the labour market and info-communication (attracting old/new sources of labour, new professions, new forms of work and new methods, multifaceted skills development, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, etc.) are creating an increasing need for the development of the skills of older generations, the continuous renewal of knowledge, the long-term preservation of working capacity and the strengthening of intergenerational cooperation. More and more universities have recognised the importance of lifelong learning, social activism and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

The transmission of modern and credible scientific findings, practical and professional knowledge and cultural values by universities can have a positive impact on the mental and spiritual health of older generations, on their economic and social empowerment, on their civic engagement, on strengthening intergenerational relations and on promoting positive ageing.

Our goals

The aim of our international conference is to promote the scientific and methodological achievements of universities in the field of active ageing, the social and labour market activity of older generations, the sharing of good practices, the networking of international research and development, the promotion of research and professional development, the integration of results into social and sectoral management practices.

At the international level, there are many good practices, methodological innovations, knowledge transfer and dissemination in the field of training and integration of older generations. The comprehensive introduction of an age-friendly approach, the development of professional results and the sharing of good practices justify the establishment of scientific cooperation and forums between the organisations concerned at the international level. The John von Neumann University (NJU) intends to take a proactive role in this, as demonstrated by its multi-year cooperation with a unique local initiative on ageing (the CédrusNet Kecskemét programme of the Kecskemét Creative Knowledge Centre Public Foundation) and the fact that in 2022 NJU was the first Hungarian university to be accepted as a member of the Age-friendly University Global Network (AFU).