As the New Year of 2024 approaches, learning activities in senior universities nationwide for the 2023 school year are wrapping up, and enrollment for the spring semester of 2024 is underway.

What progress has been made in the enrollment for senior universities in the spring semester so far?

Zhou Liling, aged 60 and a recently retired middle school teacher, has joined the Hubei Huangshi Seniors University as a student. This public senior university, established in 2008, is nestled in an old community within the urban area of Huangshi City and boasts over 3,000 students. To cater to the diverse learning needs of its attendees, the school offers nearly a hundred classes, efficiently utilizing its limited campus space. In an effort to accommodate more students, the university has transformed various areas, including the Party member activity room, lecture hall, and reception lounge, into classrooms. Consequently, the number of classrooms has increased from 8 to 11.

Jiang Qin, the director of the Academic Affairs Office at Huangshi Seniors University, has discussed recent scheduling improvements. "Previously, each classroom was allocated to only one class at a time. However, by starting classes earlier, we can now accommodate two classes in one classroom each morning. Under the old schedule, using eight classrooms, we could teach approximately 2,000 students per week. With our revised arrangement of time and space, we have managed to increase this capacity to 4,500 students per week at our seniors university.

Huangshi Seniors University is in the process of constructing a new campus, spanning an area of approximately 50 mu (around 8.24 acres). This new development will feature 50 classrooms and activity rooms. The campus is slated to be operational by the spring semester of next year. Upon completion, it will have the capacity to host over 300 teaching classes weekly, accommodating up to 15,000 students.

Grassroots teaching points established to satisfy "learning in old age"

In China, the population of elderly individuals aged 60 and above has surpassed 280 million. Addressing the challenges they face in accessing education at senior universities is crucial to meet their growing demand for learning. This article examines the approaches adopted in Xiamen and Yangzhou to enhance educational opportunities for older adults.

At the Qianpu South Branch of the Siming District Seniors University in Xiamen City, students were engaging in a mental health class. The courses offered are quite appealing, and the convenience of the school's community-based location makes it particularly accessible for nearby elderly residents.

To accommodate the growing elderly population and their educational needs, the Siming District Seniors University, in collaboration with local sub-districts and neighborhoods, established a tutorial centre in 2004. This centre was later upgraded to a branch school in 2017. Currently, this branch offers 16 different majors, spanning 22 classes each semester. The number of student enrollments has impressively reached over 1,400 person-times.

Xiamen now boasts a total of 579 tutorial centres for senior universities, encompassing every village and neighborhood within its townships and sub-districts. This extensive coverage is currently the highest nationwide. Just last month, the inaugural branch of the Seniors University of China (SUC) was established in Xiamen, further enhancing the city's commitment to senior education.

Li Sha, director of the Office of the Service Centre at Yangzhou Seniors University, has announced the advancement of the "seniors universities at doorstep" initiative. By the end of 2026, it is anticipated that tutorial centres for senior universities will be established in most qualified villages and neighborhoods. Additionally, the framework for a "15-minute learning circle" will largely be in place for elderly residents in urban communities. This initiative aims to bring educational resources for the elderly closer to home, significantly enhancing their sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.

Social resources activated to advance the building of a new type of seniors university

In response to its rapidly aging population, one of the largest in the country, Shanghai is further advancing its "double growth plan" for senior universities this year. The plan includes the addition of five district-level senior universities and two university-based senior universities. Currently, Shanghai boasts a total of 51 senior universities, alongside more than 220 senior schools located in neighborhoods and townships. These educational institutions are organised and supported by a combination of municipal authorities, district governments, universities, and various social organisations.

Currently, elderly education courses in Shanghai encompass 10 categories, including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, musical instruments, singing and dancing, calligraphy and painting, handicrafts, fitness, and life skills. These courses span over 270 topics.

In addition to the numerous established government-run universities for the elderly, Shanghai is actively promoting the involvement of social organisations in creating various unique educational institutions for older adults. These include elderly universities with a focus on fashion, organised by websites, and those emphasising photography technology, managed by cultural companies. Such initiatives are steadily enhancing the diversity of educational resources available to the elderly.

At the elderly university operated by the private Little White Pigeon Dance School, "silver-haired students" are given more specialized dance instruction during the school's less busy periods. Upon graduation, these students also have the opportunity to re-enter the community as dance instructors, sharing their newly acquired skills.

Zhang Xiangyu, director of the directly affiliated study centre at the Seniors College of the SUC, has stated that efforts are being made to leverage resources in enterprises and communities, including public libraries and art galleries. These resources are utilized during the interim periods. The senior university, in fact, benefits from educational content such as faculty, courses, and digital courses.

Courses delivered at doorstep to satisfy learning in old age without leaving home

For elderly individuals with limited mobility who still have a thirst for knowledge, Guangzhou Seniors University offers a unique solution. Through its "door-to-door" delivery service, the university brings courses directly to elderly care institutions. This public welfare initiative allows these seniors to engage in learning without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

In the nursing home located in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, a group of elderly individuals, all in their eighties, are enthusiastically learning the art of landscape painting. He Guiyuan, who is 85 years old, always makes sure to have her caregivers wheel her to the classroom well before each session starts, eagerly anticipating the beginning of the lesson.

Guangzhou Seniors University has initiated a public welfare educational outreach, delivering courses to nearly ten elderly care institutions. These activities, organised with a focus on community engagement, include a variety of subjects such as painting and calligraphy, recitation, physical fitness dance, and health care knowledge. This initiative represents a significant step in enriching the lives of seniors through continuous learning and active participation in diverse educational experiences.

Learning for practice to enable the “silver-haired students” fulfilled

During the interview, the reporter discovered that numerous "silver-haired students" from senior universities are eager to share the skills and knowledge they've acquired with those in need. Being able to apply their learning and contribute to others provides them with a profound sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Through exploration and practice, many regions have developed unique approaches and established renowned practices in senior education. However, when considering how to advance senior education rapidly towards high-quality development and make the "sunset years" more enriching and joyful, there is still much room for improvement. This requires the collaborative efforts of society as a whole.

Reprinted by the OUC News Network from the CCTV.com

Dated 17 December 2023