2026 Impact Report

At MSU’s AgeAlive, we believe aging is about more than growing older. It’s about growing together. As a university-wide initiative, AgeAlive brings people, programs, and partners together to advance healthy aging, lifelong learning, intergenerational connection, and community well-being.

This year, AgeAlive continued strengthening Michigan State University’s role as an Age-Friendly University while expanding opportunities for research, education, engagement, and innovation. From research and mobility solutions to intergenerational programming and community learning, AgeAlive worked across disciplines and communities to help create a healthier, more connected future for people of all ages.

Whether you attended an event, shared your expertise, participated in a program, or supported our mission, thank you for being part of the AgeAlive community.

2026 Impact at a Glance

The past year brought continued growth, collaboration, and statewide engagement across MSU and the communities we serve. Through research, education, outreach, and community partnerships, AgeAlive continued working to address the evolving needs of Michigan’s aging population while creating opportunities for people of all generations to learn, connect, and thrive.

Strengthening MSU’s Age-Friendly University Leadership

As steward of MSU’s Age-Friendly University designation, AgeAlive continued helping strengthen the university’s commitment to lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement, accessibility, healthy aging, and inclusion across the lifespan.

AgeAlive serves as a university-wide connector, helping align aging-related research, education, outreach, and community engagement across disciplines and partners. This work helps ensure that aging remains part of conversations surrounding health care, caregiving, workforce development, community well-being, arts and culture, and lifelong learning.

MSU remains one of just over 110 institutions worldwide in the Age-Friendly University Global Network, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting learners and communities of all ages while advancing innovative approaches to healthy aging.

As Michigan’s aging population continues to grow, AgeAlive provides an important framework for helping MSU respond to emerging societal needs while strengthening the university’s visibility and impact as a land-grant institution.

Spotlighting Research That Improves Lives

AgeAlive continued elevating aging-related research and innovation through the 2026 MSU AgeAlive Education & Research Forum and Awards Ceremony, Advancing Mobility Across Settings as We Age.

Hosted at the MSU Federal Credit Union Headquarters in East Lansing, with participation from the Upper Peninsula and virtual attendees across Michigan, the Forum brought together researchers, students, caregivers, service providers, transportation professionals, and community leaders.

Together, participants explored issues including mobility and falls prevention, transportation access, assistive technology and innovation, aging-related workforce and caregiver support, safe transitions, and healthy aging solutions.

The event also celebrated researchers, alumni, and community members whose work is enhancing aging and intergenerational experiences throughout Michigan.

2026 Award Recipients

• Research in Aging Award: Tamara Reid Bush, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence
• Research in Aging Award: Peter Berg, Ph.D., Professor, School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, College of Social Science
• Intergenerational Award: Allison Stawara, MSU alum and Community Farm Manager, Partridge Creek Farm
• Legacy Award: Maureen McCabe-Power, Community Member

AgeAlive also highlighted the IMPART Alliance Mobile Training Unit, student innovation projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations demonstrating how research and education can improve quality of life across generations.

Funding for the Forum was made possible through support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with IMPART Alliance, the Tri-County Office on Aging, and AARP Michigan.

Connecting Across Generations

AgeAlive continued creating meaningful opportunities for students and older adults to learn from one another, build relationships, and challenge stereotypes around aging.

Through Generations Connect, developed in partnership with the MSU Social Science Scholars Program and the East Lansing Prime Time Seniors Program, participants came together through storytelling, shared learning, and social engagement.

Events throughout the year—including Spring Fling and other intergenerational gatherings—demonstrated the power of connection, empathy, and shared experiences. These programs help reduce isolation while creating opportunities for people of different generations to learn from one another.

AgeAlive’s intergenerational work continues to receive recognition for its innovation and impact, including consecutive recognition as a Generations United Program of Merit.

Created with IMPART Alliance, the Butterfly Garden exhibit brought beauty and reflection through community-based art. Across these programs, AgeAlive reached hundreds of adult learners and MSU students this year through community-based initiatives.

Supporting Lifelong Learning & Community Engagement

AgeAlive continued promoting lifelong learning through educational programming, partnerships, public engagement opportunities, and outreach focused on healthy aging, well-being, and community connection.

Programs throughout the year included community learning initiatives, public discussions through the Town & Gown Lecture Series, health and wellness partnerships, caregiving outreach, and statewide collaboration.

Working alongside MSU faculty experts and community partners, AgeAlive created opportunities for students, caregivers, older adults, and community members to learn together and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Through continued education and engagement, AgeAlive is helping keep MSU at the forefront of local, state, and national efforts to advance aging-related initiatives.

Growing Visibility & Looking Ahead

Throughout FY26, AgeAlive expanded its storytelling, outreach, and communications efforts to elevate awareness of aging-related issues while highlighting stories of research, innovation, resilience, caregiving, and community connection.

Moving forward, AgeAlive remains focused on:

• Healthy aging at every age
• Intergenerational connection
• Caregiver support and workforce development
• Lifelong learning
• Research translation and innovation
• Statewide collaboration and outreach

Looking ahead, AgeAlive is committed to helping MSU serve as a statewide hub for aging-related research, education, engagement, and innovation. Continued investment in AgeAlive supports not only aging-related programming, but also MSU’s broader leadership as an Age-Friendly University dedicated to improving lives through research, education, innovation, and community partnership.

Together, we can help create a healthier, more connected, and more age-friendly future for all generations.