As Taiwan moves towards a super-aged society, the Ministry of Education is actively promoting senior education to showcase the health and vitality of older adults and advocate the spirit of active aging. The Ministry of Education participated in the first "Senior Health Industry Expo," held from August 2 to 4, 2023, at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, with the theme "Lifelong Learning, Enriching Life," designing booths and providing exciting activities.
Craftsmen from Yuanli Township will teach "Exploring the World of Rush Weaving," while the Hakka Auntie Group from Zhudong Township and the Shanjiao Cat Saxophone Band from the Miaoli County Demonstration Center will perform dance and music, showcasing the results of "Lifelong Learning."
The expo highlights "Opening Day of Lifelong Learning Classes," featuring core courses of lifelong learning, self-planned courses, and dynamic performances from lifelong learning clubs. The static exhibition includes marine life paintings, rush weaving crafts, seed necklaces, and dolls made from socks and old clothes, demonstrating the seniors' skilled hands. Each day, senior clubs perform at the event, including the Pingzhen District Hakka Lion Dance and the Xinzhuang District Ukulele Orchestra from New Taipei City.
Taoyuan City Pingzhen District's High-Quality Lifelong Learning Center - Rock Hakka Square-Mouthed Lion Lantern Show (Photo / Retrieved from Ministry of Education Website)
The Ministry of Education stated that to expand learning opportunities for seniors, there are 370 lifelong learning centers, 85 lifelong universities, and 243 senior self-directed groups nationwide, offering more than 8,000 classes and activities monthly, totaling over 100,000 sessions annually. The courses are diverse, including "Core Lifelong Learning Courses," "Self-Planned Courses," and "Contribution and Service Courses," encouraging seniors to give back to their communities after learning.
Among the students at lifelong learning centers, those aged 65 and above account for 67%. Upholding the spirit that "it’s never too late to learn," the Ministry of Education enables seniors to fulfill dreams of attending university, performing on stage, teaching, and even forming rock bands, achieving dreams from their youth. Hsieh Min-Hsien, Executive Director of the Miaoli County Lifelong Learning Demonstration Center, stated that lifelong learning is about "creating a future worth growing old for."
For those interested in planning a vibrant second half of life, join lifelong learning. For more information, please visit the "Ministry of Education Lifelong Learning Website" (http://moe.senioredu.moe.gov.tw).
