EMERITUS PROFESSORS' PERCEPTIONS: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH EXPLORING AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPLES

Abstract In 2020, the UML AFU campus launched Inventory and Climate Surveys (in partnership with UMass Boston). The results identified a need for improvement related to “involving retired faculty in University activities’ (Principle 9) “promoting intergenerational learning facilitate reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners all ages” 4). An IRB-approved follow-up survey invited respondents participate one-hour virtual qualitative interviews explore research question: What are perceptions Emeritus Professors regarding Principles 4 9? Professor (n=19) were held 2021. Four researchers completed content analyses, which revealed six major themes: promoting activities; considering emeritus group; being proactive; supporting continued relationships; meaning preferred engagement; actual perceived benefits. findings will be discussed as how principles can benefit both students through understanding this untapped resource.