A variety of educational programs enhancing lifelong learning while minimizing cognitive and physical decline is boosting the health and well-being of older members of society in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.
Offered by the Senior Citizen Services Center under the local government’s Social Affairs Bureau, the program comprises an assortment of SCSC’s 450 courses spanning 15 fields accessed by about 18,000 participants. Offered subjects encompass art, botany, languages, literature, music and physical fitness.
SCSC Director Yao Yu-ling believes it is imperative to develop appropriate policy responses to mitigate the impact of Taiwan’s looming super-aged society status on public and private sector resources. Initiatives promoting lifelong learning are effective countermeasures as they encourage older people to stay healthy and independent, delaying or preventing the need for long-term care, she said.
Qigong is one of the most popular physical education classes organized by SCSC.
SCSC seeks to spark senior citizens’ interests via a diverse curriculum. A smorgasbord of courses enables participants to embark on exciting journeys of education tailored for all aptitudes, interests and learning styles.
Holo, Mandarin and Japanese singing classes, as well as qigong, stability ball and yoga sessions, are hugely popular, Yao said. They allow for a release of stress and other pent-up emotions, she added.
Other offerings are more practical, including a funeral preparation course. Surprisingly, a lot of people are willing to discuss this taboo topic and acknowledge the importance of making advance arrangements, Yao said.
A primary SCSC objective is to enhance adaptation to aging, increase interpersonal interaction and provide mental stimulation, Yao added, citing major benefits such as alleviating loneliness and reducing the incidence of dementia.
Meridian system courses tend to top the SCSC participation rate charts.
Li Ju-zhen is a testament to SCSC’s mantra. She has been taking classes since retiring 20 years ago aged 55, and said visiting the center is as exciting today as when first walking through the doors.
All subjects are of tremendous interest, especially ballroom dance, karaoke and literature, Li said. It feels good to have a recreational schedule even more hectic than when undertaking the daily grind, she added.
SCSC is seen as instrumental in fostering emotional, intellectual and social development for older adults. It is also improving the quality of life for participants while enabling them to engage, give back and pursue passion projects.
The center truly is a second home, Li said. Every member of the silvering age group should make the most of this community asset and celebrate the spirit of personal growth and enrichment, she added. (E-KH) (By Kelly Her)
Li Ju-zhen takes the microphone during a SCSC-staged karaoke class.
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(This article is adapted from Lifelong Learning in the November/December Issue 2020 of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)