Active ageing, active learning: policy and provision in Hong Kong

This paper discusses the relationship between ageing and learning, previous literature having confirmed that participation in continued learning in old age contributes to good health, satisfaction with life, independence and self-esteem. Realizing that learning is vital to active ageing, the Hong Kong government has implemented policies and programmes to encourage continued learning among the elderly to help improve their health and quality of life as they age. Given the government commitment, it is essential that the policy and provision be critically reviewed for effectiveness to ensure that it is meeting the needs and expectations of older people and supporting providers in delivering high-quality programmes to elders. In this light, this paper aims to examine the role of government, providers and community agencies in developing policy and provision for elder learning in Hong Kong; to discuss the approach to elder learning in Hong Kong before and after 1997, which is marked by the establishment of the Hong Kong Elderly Commission; to investigate new directions in elder learning policy and provision; and finally, identify the needs for future research and policy development of elder learning in Hong Kong.