Continuous learning is an important ingredient for a happy retired life, according to a survey conducted by HK Electric and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) on their joint programme, U3A, which encourages local retirees to pursue lifelong learning and volunteer for community services.
Over 90% of about 250 U3A students surveyed agreed lifelong learning is essential and helpful. They said learning at U3A made their retired life happier, giving them new knowledge and keeping them up-to-date. It also allowed them to make new friends and widen their support network. Many said they have become happier after retirement.
The survey also found that unlike traditional learning programmes for the elderly, U3A encourages participants to teach and operate their learning centres, instead of relying on social workers to organise courses or provide services. This new model allows retirees to continue using their abilities, enhancing their self-confidence and sense of satisfaction.
Announcing the findings today at the "Completion Ceremony for U3A 2009-2010", Group Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, said he was pleased to note U3A has met the needs of local retirees.
"Over the past four years, U3A has organised more than 900 courses, offering nearly 13,000 learning opportunities to senior citizens," he said. "To date, we have 25 centres in the network, with five more joining this year to make it even more accessible to the retired population throughout the territory."
He further pointed out U3A "is a win-win-win project, enriching the life of retirees and reducing the burden of service agencies for elderly, while giving HK Electric and HKCSS a chance to support such a meaningful elderly care programme".
Also officiating at the ceremony was the Director of HKU's School of Professional and Continuing Education, Professor C.F. Lee, who was happy to see U3A becoming a platform for retirees to pursue knowledge and interest. He encouraged the post-50s generation to live well and enjoy life.
Chief Executive of HKCSS, Ms. Christine Fang, also remarked that many retirees today "are still very energetic" and she was glad U3A could enrich their life while allowing them to serve the community. She looked forward to more similar programmes in future for retirees to develop their talents and realise active aging.
More than 300 students attended today's ceremony and demonstrated what they have learnt through an exhibition of school work and various performances, including folk dance, puppet show, modern dance and laughter yoga. Some also shared how they applied their knowledge in marketing to operate a small stall in this year's Lunar New Year Flower Fair.
The U3A project is sponsored by the HK Electric Centenary Trust and coordinated by HKCSS. Elderly service agencies receive funding to set up self-learning centres providing courses conducted by the elderly and for the elderly. The five newly appointed elderly service organisations this year are The Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong Synod Shatin Rhenish Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, Pok Oi Hospital Mr. Kwok Hing Kwan Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Fuk Hong Social Centre for the Elderly, The Hong Kong Chinese Women's Club Dr. Ellen Li Learning Centre, Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service Yau Tsim Neighbourhood Elderly Centre.
For more details on U3A, please visit www.u3a.org.hk, or contact HKCSS at 2876 2446.