CityU Macau’s Academy for Senior Attends Forum on Active Aging and Elderly Welfare

Representatives from the Academy for Senior of the City University of Macau (CityU) recently participated in the fourth "Social and Cultural Salon" forum organized by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government. Centered around the theme of "Active Aging, Happy Macao," the forum served as a collaborative platform for officials, higher education representatives, and local senior social service organizations to discuss policies regarding elderly education and continuous learning.

During the session, the CityU representative expressed gratitude for the Macao SAR Government's ongoing support, which has enabled local universities to leverage academic resources for community engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Since its establishment in March of last year, the Academy for Senior has made significant strides in community integration, providing continuous seminars and workshops across 10 elderly care organizations in Macao. Total service attendance is projected to reach nearly 2,000 people this year.

The Academy offers structured academic-year programs taught by professionals from various sectors. The curriculum spans physical and mental health, healthcare, and smart technologies—such as photography and digital device applications—all designed to enrich the daily lives of senior citizens and enhance their independent living skills.  Reflecting on the impact of the government's Continuing Education Development Plan, the CityU representative noted that senior learners exhibit unique motivations distinct from the general working public. Rather than pursuing vocational skills or career advancement, older adults participate in continuous learning to foster mental and physical well-being, enrich their retirement, and expand their social circles.

Looking forward, the university recommended that the government encourage institutions to develop and offer a wider variety of tailor-made courses specifically designed for the elderly. This shift would ensure that educational resources are utilized effectively to meet the exact needs of senior citizens, ultimately supporting Macao’s broader policy goals for active aging.