30 October 2012
Silver Learning Force
We often talk about lifelong learning as our motto. The truth is, silver population aged 55 or over is now the most active sector in society.
While developed countries the likes of the United States, Australia, and those in Europe have long discerned the need to provide senior citizens with fulltime or part-time learning opportunities, Hong Kong, despite not suffering a similar level of ageing population, has seen institutions and educational groups launching various kinds of learning courses for senior citizens. From interest groups to professional courses, the learning programmes have been designed to help put senior citizens' fingers on the pulse while living a life fulfilled.
Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
You may choose your learning programme according to your personal interests and requirements, or you may develop new interests with the myriad of courses available for learners of different levels. In 2007, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has launched the "Elder Academy" with schools and educational institutions to provide practical interest groups such as emotion management and relaxation exercises, available at primary and secondary schools citywide to save learners the travelling.
For learning experiences with a difference, you may want to check out the courses at "Institute of Active Ageing" by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which were designed to encourage inter-generational communication and exchange, and to foster cooperation of the knowledgeable retirees, academic groups and young people to outline learning programmes and modes, hand in hand. Depending on your interests and preferences, you may want to sign up for their overseas academic and cultural exchange tours – the most popular courses every year – or the longevity –based acu-massage course, if not the Latin line dance bronze medal scheme to bring out the dancer in you.
Back to School
With the great array of fulltime and part-time lifelong learning programmes offered by tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, there's not a dearth of suitable courses for you, no matter your academic subject of preference or academic credentials. The 'mature students' admission scheme offered by the HKU Elder Academy Scheme enables you to be admitted through a selection process, as long as you fulfil the non-JUPAS entrance requirements. To take unnecessary stress off your learning, Hong Kong Institute of Education encourages senior citizens to continue as active learners by exempting the courses of assessment and evaluation, meaning you are granted a certificate once you have completed the course. Going back to school is a sentimental experience. The longer you are at it, the more interests you will have untapped as you broaden your horizons and make new friends to expand your social circle.
Learning Never Stops
Technological advancement has opened numerous learning channels via your handset and tablet in the comfort of your home. A Power by Radio Television Hong Kong, and the YouTube channel of Elderly Health Service by Department of Health are invaluable sources of information on various learning programmes, healthy diet, exercising, and home living, ensuring happy learning 24/7.
Be part of the silver learning force today!
Elder Academy
www.elderacademy.org.hk/
Project for the Third Age, Institute of Active Ageing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
www.e123.hk/site/polyuiaa/news
The Hong Kong Institute of Education's Elder Academy
www.ied.edu.hk/elderacademy/
A Power by Radio Television Hong Kong
http://app1.rthk.org.hk/elderly/index.htm
Elderly Health Service by Department of Health
www.info.gov.hk/elderly/index.htm
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