University for the Elderly

Wang Jiafong

February 1983

中文

Impaired vision and hearing are no impediment to learning at Evergreen College.

Old people in the Republic of China are protected against privation and worries over their livelihood by a set of laws providing for their welfare, as well as the traditional Chinese extended family system. Recently, another measure has been taken to make their lives more meaningful on the spiritual level as well. In December last year, the Evergreen College, the nation's first university for the elderly, was opened in Kaohsiung under the direction of the Kaohsiung city government and the YWCA.

More than 600 men and women, all more than 55 years of age, are enrolled in the school, studying everything from English to ceramics. Students come from all walks of life, there are retired school principals, engineers, and housewives who are going to school for the first time. They are united in their quest for knowledge and the belief that one is never too old to learn.

Pai Hsiu-hsiung, director of the Kaohsiung Department of Social Affairs and one of the guiding spirits behind the school, commented, "Evergreen College is one of the 25 projects run by the city for the benefit of the elderly. Its main goals are to provide more opportunities for them to learn, enrich their spiritual lives, raise their position in the home and society, and help solve some of the problems they face."

Traditionally in Chinese society, old people have been accorded a position of respect and authority, and were the main decision makers in the home. Their workload and responsibilities diminished only gradually as they grew older. The emergence of an industrial society has changed much of this, however, and enforced retirement has put many old people in the position of being alone with nothing to do. This leads to feelings of uselessness and a loss of self-respect. Evergreen College is an attempt to rectify all these problems.

Although the school is not affiliated to the Ministry of Education, it is run much like a regular university, and students are awarded credits for every class completed, which count towards a diploma. Currently, there are 11 courses to choose from, including English, Mandarin Chinese, gardening, ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry appreciation, shadow boxing, dancercise, and Peking opera.

English is by far the most popular course, and the 10 classes offered are still not enough to meet the demand. When it comes to studying, Evergreen students are even more diligent than their grandchildren. Students are rarely absent or late and are usually ready for class 15 minutes beforehand.

One teacher commented that her students are just like young people when it is time to stand up before the class and recite their lessons from memory. The excuses are different, however. "I have high blood pressure and heart disease. Don't ask me to recite." Another student complained, "After class my blood pressure is 20 points higher." Later, as students become accustomed to school, these problems disappear, but tests can still pose a challenge. "They are diligent and dedicated," remarked one teacher, "but the old students are too nervous. They even make me anxious. I originally thought I'd give them a mid-term examination, but when I saw how nervous it made them, I didn't dare. Just the thought of their blood pressure rising as they stayed up all night studying scared me."

There are other special problems associated with teaching the elderly. One teacher tried to get her class to pronounce "fine" correctly. Over and over again she would repeat "fine", telling them, "Hit your lower lip with your upper teeth. . . fine!" But despite her, efforts, the students just could not manage it. Finally one student raised her hand and asked, "Teacher, what should I do? I don't have any upper teeth."

Compared to English classes, the atmosphere in the ceramics class is much more relaxed. Students are not so concerned with the artistic aspects of their work, but rather do it for fun. Ceramics has other benefits as one student, Mrs. Yang, point out. "Working with clay is good exercise. Since I began my class, I rarely have any pain in my hands," she said.

Many students who sign up for Peking opera, calligraphy, and painting are already accomplished in these fields. They come not to learn but to meet others with the same interests. Chen Tsung-tsai who teaches Chinese painting welcomes beginners, however. He remarked, "The most important things are patience, determination, perseverance, and interest. Look at Grandma Moses in the West, and our own Chin Nung and Wu Chan-suo. All were well along in years before they started painting. The head of the Pingtung City Library, Lo Po-ping, did not start painting until he was 60, and now he holds shows in Singapore!"

Some of Evergreen's students enroll for schooling they never had a chance to receive before. Others, who are college graduates, come to study something they have always wanted to learn. Whatever their motives, they all acquire a more youthful outlook. One 55 year old woman said, "I always felt old. Now all the others here are of my parents' generation. When I see how carefree they are, laughing all day long, I feel I'll be young forever."

Huang Yi-chiou's husband died many years ago, and her children are all in the United States. When she retired last year, she found herself alone at home. Many of her friends were worried she would be sitting around all day with nothing to do, but instead she finds herself busier than ever. As well as English and poetry appreciation, she is also studying shadow boxing and is involved in a singing group at the YWCA.

Many of the elderly at Evergreen College thank the city government for the opportunity it has given them to enrich their lives. But director Pai gives most of the credit to private institutions and individuals. He pointed out that the Senior Citizens' Activities Center, where some of the college's classes are held, was established with a US$500,000 donation from five trust companies in Kaohsiung. He especially credits the YWCA for the idea, planning and execution of Evergreen College. Yin Hui-ling, the YWCA's secretary general remarked, "A private group has the advantage of being free from bureaucratic red tape. We can speed up our operations to make sure everything is on schedule."

In the past, social welfare services, such as free bus fares, free medication, and special housing ensured that old people were free from material worries. Now, with the establishment of Evergreen College and similar institutions, the spiritual development of the elderly is receiving the attention it deserves. If the elderly can make a bigger contribution to society, every one stands to benefit.

[Picture Caption]

1. Impaired vision and hearing are no impediment to learning at Evergreen College. 2. Pai Hsiu-hsiung, director of the Kaohsiung Department of Social Affairs, commented, "Evergreen College is just one step forward in the elderly's cultural welfare. We have many more plans for the future." 3. Total absorption in the pursuit of new knowledge. 4. Before class students get together to go over their homework assignments.

1. One pair of glasses to see the board, one to see the book. 2. Wearing a tie to class, a reflection of his respect for education. 3. Recitation before the class, textbooks in hand just in case. . . . 4. Pieces made by ceramics students. 5. Carving a piece of pottery. 6. Ceramics is easy, just like making noodles.

1. The gardening instructor also serves as doctor to students' houseplants. 2. Calligraphy class. 3. Peking opera class. 4,5. Warming up for dancercize.

Pai Hsiu-hsiung, director of the Kaohsiung Department of Social Affairs, commented, "Evergreen College is just one step forward in the elderly's cultural welfare. We have many more plans for the future.