In a recent class at the Loufeng Sub-district University for the Aged in SIP, the silver-haired students gathered to assemble miniature models of Suzhou’s classical gardens. In the process, they sometimes exchanged tips, or sought guidance from the teacher. This epitomizes SIP’s success in improving elderly residents’ well-being.

With 107,200 residents aged 60 and above, accounting for 16.96% of the local household registered population, SIP has crafted a “1+X+Y” elderly education framework consisting of the headquarters of SIP University for the Aged, 11 branches and 26 teaching stations to make learning opportunities accessible in all of its five sub-districts. The headquarters alone has offered over 140 courses this year, attracting 6,000 students.

Concurrently, innovative projects have been carried out in these sub-districts to enrich elderly residents’ spiritual and cultural experiences. Among these projects is Loufeng Sub-district’s “Silver-Age Makers+” program which is nationally recognized as a “Brand Project of Lifelong Learning in the New Era”. Under the program, the participants have created many cultural products which are sold on and off line.

In June, SIP University for the Aged hosted its 15th anniversary celebration which showcased the students’ talents through diverse performances such as singing, dancing, fashion show and taiji (traditional Chinese shadowboxing) demonstration.

November 25, 2025