On March 5, Jiangsu Open University officially launched its 2025 Forum on Elderly Education, aiming to enhance the competence and professionalism of elderly education instructors across the province through a series of lectures and discussions.
The forum was chaired by Vice President Yang Yu, who emphasized that this forum demonstrates the university’s commitment to the professional development of elderly education faculty. It also serves as a key initiative to deepen understanding of JSOU’s educational philosophy as a university for the elderly. The training sessions will focus on improving educators’ skills, enhancing curriculum quality, and fostering innovation through integration with industry. The goal is to help practitioners in elderly education better understand the current landscape of elderly education in Jiangsu, improve their professional and service capabilities, and drive high-quality development in the sector.
The opening lecture featured Professor Zeng Zhi from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. In his keynote speech, he noted that in a society where longevity meets rapid aging, elderly education has become more urgent than ever. The psychological development of the elderly deserves serious attention and serves as a cornerstone of effective elderly education. His engaging presentation sparked lively and enthusiastic discussions among attendees.
In her closing remarks, Vice President Yang stated that Professor Zeng’s lecture offered valuable insights that could enhance teachers’ empathy and understanding of elderly learners, improve the overall effectiveness of elderly education, and raise its recognition in society. She encouraged elderly education practitioners to continuously refine their professional skills and approach their work from a more scientific and comprehensive perspective. She also urged attendees to actively share their teaching experiences and collaboratively explore new ideas and methods in elderly education, contributing to the advancement of the field.
