Elderly learning in Chinese communities: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore

Abstract

Chinese communities in China, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong put emphasis on education and learning. This also finds relevance to the elderly people. Specifically, engaging in lifelong learning by the seniors can be a viable means to promoting active and healthy ageing. Promotion of elderly learning can be one of the strategies to tackle the challenges posed by an ageing population. This chapter firstly analyzes the motivations underlying elderly learning and the possible modes adopted by seniors in learning. Then, it provides a summary account of the evolution of activities and efforts in these countries and regions in promoting elderly learning. Furthermore, problems and prospects would be highlighted. It is hoped that by analyzing the various experiences in these countries/regions, lessons could be learned in promoting elder learning.