Mainland China

Abstract

Elder learning in China has its cultural tradition of Confucianism, and also has experienced rapid development in contemporary times under the conditions of socio-economic transformation. The Chinese government takes the leading role in elder learning development by issuing relevant policies and providing resources. The University of the Third Age (U3A) is the primary mode of older adults’ learning in mainland China. Since the first U3A was established in China in 1983, the number of U3As has boomed to more than 40,000 with diversified courses offered to older learners. Further, other forms of elder education such as community learning and long-distance have undergone growth in the past decades. Elder education in China requires more resources and clearer guidance in the future. Greater development of elder learning in China hinges upon the consideration of social context, keeping up with the times, and meeting elders’ learning demand.