The university's curriculum also pays more attention to seniors' mental health.

Tian Xuhua, 74, says that she often felt unneeded and sad following her retirement. When a friend recommended the senior university, she learned to make pastries. Not only can she cook for her family, but her physical and mental well-being has also improved. "My grandson asked me to make macarons. I am already learning," she says.

Li Aiming, a teacher at Shanghai Open University who developed and launched two courses related to family happiness and psychology, says: "Highly educated 50 to 70-year-old seniors facing the important life transition from workplace to family need psychological and professional support for family education."

According to the 2023 statistical bulletin on the development of civil affairs released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2024, at the end of 2023, the elderly population in China aged 60 and above reached 296.97 million, which accounted for 21.1 percent of the total population, a 1.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, aging is even more prevalent in Shanghai. The latest statistics show the city has seen the senior population aged 60 and above reach 37.6 percent.

To address the growing demand for quality courses for the elderly, China will host its inaugural Senior Learning Curriculum Expo from Oct 18 to 20 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. This national exhibition, focusing on senior education and lifelong learning, is organized by Shanghai Open University in collaboration with Shanghai Education Television Station and Shanghai University for the Senior.

Spanning 8,000 square meters, the expo is expected to draw over 100,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors. It will showcase a diverse curriculum tailored to senior learners, promote educational tools, textbooks and cultural products, while highlighting innovative education initiatives and bolstering the silver-haired economy.