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. Realising that learning is vital to active ageing, the Hong Kong government has implemented policies and programs 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 programs to elders. In this light, this paper examines the role of government, providers and community agencies in developing policy and provision for elder learning in Hong Kong. It discusses the approach to elder learning in Hong Kong before and after 1997, which is marked by the establishment of the Hong Kong Elderly Commission. It investigates new directions in elder learning policy and provision and finally, it identifies the needs for future research and policy development of elder learning in Hong Kong.
[Copyright of Studies in Continuing Education is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher’s website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2010.515573 ]