The University of Utah College of Nursing (CON) recognizes Linda Edelman, PhD, RN, Director of the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence and Co-Director of the Utah Geriatric Education Consortium, for her contributions to the recently published book, Age-Friendly Ecosystems: Place-Based Approaches for Equity and Inclusion. Co-edited with Valerie Chang Greer from the University of Utah’s School of Architecture, the book includes chapters co-authored by CON faculty including "Age-Friendly Health," co-authored by Katarina Friberg-Felsted, PhD, assistant dean of the CON’s Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program; “Age-Friendliness as a Framework for Equity in Aging” and “Age-Friendly Futures: Equity by Design” coauthored by Drs. Greer and Edelman.
“Age-friendly concepts have tremendous potential to improve our neighborhoods, campuses, and health systems,” says Edelman. “By integrating the specific needs of older adults into the design of our environments, we can enhance their quality of life and create inclusive spaces that welcome people of all ages and abilities.”
Age-friendliness is a social movement addressing the unique needs and experiences of older adults. It integrates research, policy, programming, and design practices to improve physical and social environments. The book’s foundation draws from a 2022 symposium, Age-Friendly Communities as Platforms for Equity, Health & Wellness led by Greer and Edelman that brought together multi-sector aging experts to imagine a more age-friendly Utah. Contributors expand the discussion by sharing research, practical strategies, and personal narratives from older adults, students, community stakeholders, and faculty researchers.
“This book exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing critical social needs and highlights the dedication of our faculty here in the College of Nursing to work with faculty colleagues from across the University of Utah campus in addressing ageism and accessibility,” said CON dean Marla De Jong, PhD, RN. “By bringing together diverse perspectives, Professor Edelman and her colleagues have created a resource that advances the age-friendly movement and reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity in health care, education, and community development.”
Topics Covered in the Book Include:
• Creating Age-Friendly Environments Across Ecosystems
• Age Friendliness as a Framework for Equity in Aging
• Voices in the Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Ecosystem
• Designing for Age-Friendly Futures
Professionals in fields such as urban planning, health care, gerontology, and community development will find valuable insights in the book, enabling them to better understand the current landscape and the specific needs of aging populations. By addressing challenges such as systemic ageism, resource disparities, and the rapidly aging population, contributors offer actionable frameworks to create supportive and inclusive environments for older adults of all abilities.
The book, Age-Friendly Ecosystems: Place-Based Approaches for Equity and Inclusion, can be downloaded as an eBook or purchased as a softcover book. It is also available for library licensing and institutional subscription.