Health professions education: Advancing geriatrics and gerontology competencies through Age-Friendly University (AFU) Principles.

This article elucidates opportunities for health professions education programs to make a mark in the Age Friendly University (AFU) initiative. Specifically, key approaches are introduced for health professions education programs based on the Age Friendly University Global Network initiative and the Academy for Gerontology/Geriatrics in Higher Education (AGHE) Program of Merit for Health Professions Programs. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that offer health professions education, have various options to establish and enhance student gerontology/geriatrics competence and confidence. However, two options are germane to new initiatives that are making their mark in HEIs. First, Age Friendly University Guiding Principles applicable to health professions education allow health gerontology faculty to be catalysts to promote and integrate these principles within their program's curriculum contributing to their institution's readiness to apply for the Age Friendly University designation. Second, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Program of Merit (POM) provides specific geriatrics/gerontology competencies for health professions programs to integrate into the program's curriculum along with an option to attain recognition as an AGHE Program of Merit. Attaining both designations contributes to preparing future health professions providers with improved older adult health care skills that also benefits older adults.