NEWS
USR
- Publish Date：2025-02-06
NYCU Gong Academy: Revolutionizing Lifelong Learning for Senior Citizens
Edited by Chance Lai
______
______
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has launched an innovative educational initiative called "Gong Academy," marking a significant step forward in senior education by integrating technology, humanities, and medical sciences into a comprehensive learning platform.
The academy, located in the historic Chu-Ming Building on NYCU's Bo-Ai campus, welcomes elderly learners back to campus, creating an unprecedented intergenerational learning environment where seniors and young students study side by side.
"This is not just about education; it's about creating a new paradigm for active aging," says Chi-Hung Lin, President of NYCU. "The Chu-Ming Building, which has witnessed the evolution of technology and human wisdom, now serves as the perfect setting for this innovative educational approach."
Comprehensive Curriculum Design
The academy, located in the historic Chu-Ming Building on NYCU's Bo-Ai campus, welcomes elderly learners back to campus, creating an unprecedented intergenerational learning environment where seniors and young students study side by side.
"This is not just about education; it's about creating a new paradigm for active aging," says Chi-Hung Lin, President of NYCU. "The Chu-Ming Building, which has witnessed the evolution of technology and human wisdom, now serves as the perfect setting for this innovative educational approach."
Comprehensive Curriculum Design
The academy's curriculum, spearheaded by the Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, combines expertise from multiple colleges, including Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, and Management. The program offers three main tracks:
- Credit courses integrated with NYCU's general education system
- Interdisciplinary professional courses
- Health and wellness programs for active aging
Students can earn a "Bachelor of Contribution" degree by accumulating credits through regular university courses, with tuition subsidies available for those who pass course assessments.
Technology Meets Wellness
"We emphasize the integration of learning with daily life," explains Kuei-Ann Wen, NYCU Social Responsibility Development Office Executive Director. "The academy provides structured routines and opportunities for seniors to interact with younger generations while challenging themselves academically."
Technology Meets Wellness
"We emphasize the integration of learning with daily life," explains Kuei-Ann Wen, NYCU Social Responsibility Development Office Executive Director. "The academy provides structured routines and opportunities for seniors to interact with younger generations while challenging themselves academically."
The curriculum includes specialized brain science and psychological health courses designed to enhance cognitive abilities and prevent aging-related decline. Advanced health monitoring and precision healthcare management technologies are incorporated into the learning experience.
Looking Forward
The academy represents NYCU's response to Taiwan's aging society, offering a nationwide model that could reshape senior education. With plans to expand course offerings and deepen industry collaborations, Gong Academy is positioning itself as a pioneer in lifelong learning initiatives.
For Taiwan's senior citizens, the academy offers more than just education—it provides a pathway to a meaningful second chapter in life, where learning knows no age limits and wisdom flows freely between generations.
At the recent Healthy Ageing Tech Show, "Gong Academy" made its public debut, attracting significant attention from elderly learners and demonstrating new possibilities in senior education.Related Image(s)：
