The university's new status is underpinned by a three-year action plan, developed with input from staff, lived experience, and community partners. This plan aims to incorporate the experiences and priorities of older individuals to inform the university’s teaching, research, and wider strategy.
This accreditation reflects Heriot-Watt University’s strong commitment to inclusion, lifelong learning, and healthy ageing. It is expected to expand opportunities for flexible study, skills development, and community participation, while embedding intergenerational learning across its global campuses.
Professor Alan Gow, Professor in Psychology and Healthy Ageing co-lead at Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, who co-chaired the working group for the application, stated: "Achieving Age-Friendly University status reflects our commitment to ensuring that people of all ages can contribute to and benefit from everything a university has to offer."
“"Through our research, education and partnerships, we are working to create solutions that support healthier, more independent lives while ensuring older people play an active role in shaping that work. We will also strengthen our partnership with Age Scotland and build similar relationships in Dubai and Malaysia, so this work reaches the communities we serve around the world."
The university plans to launch a new seminar series bringing students and older people together, with topics chosen by both. This will run alongside the Healthy Ageing Showcase, held every two years. The Citizen’s Advisory Network will also expand to include members from every campus, and postgraduate researchers will be trained to work alongside older adults on research challenges.
In the community, Heriot-Watt will develop volunteering opportunities with Age Scotland and review physical and digital access across its campuses. Funding is also being sought for workshops to help older people with smartphones and online safety.
Hazel Matthews, Head of Operations, Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies at Heriot-Watt University, described the programme as ambitious and aligned with the university's mission of furthering education for all members of society. She highlighted that the application was shaped by input from staff, Age Scotland, and the Citizen’s Advisory Network.
Founded in 1821 as the world’s first mechanics’ institute, Heriot-Watt sees its Age-Friendly status as a natural continuation of its founding mission to transform lives through research and education.
Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, commented: "As our population ages, it is increasingly important that learning environments are designed to welcome, support and value people of all ages, enabling individuals to continue learning, developing skills and contributing throughout later life."
“"Age Scotland has been pleased to support the university through this process, and we hope this milestone encourages other institutions to follow their example. Creating age-friendly places to learn benefits not only older people, but society as a whole."
The action plan was developed by a cross-university working group formed in December 2025, with input from 76 staff members and external partners. Heriot-Watt already has a strong track record in ageing research, including the £2 million CONSOLIDATE NetworkPlus project co-led with Age Scotland.
