Taipei: Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao has committed to initiating a trial for a university aimed at older adults in 2025 to promote continued education for middle-aged and older individuals. According to Focus Taiwan, the Ministry of Education plans to finalize the trial run of the "third chapter of life university" by the end of this year, with the public unveiling scheduled for 2025. Cheng's announcement came in response to Taiwan People's Party lawmaker Wu Chun-cheng during a legislative session. Wu highlighted the demographic shift in Taiwan, noting that the median age was 19.3 years in the 1970s and is projected to rise to 52.4 years by the 2040s. Despite this aging trend, university admission strategies have remained largely unchanged, traditionally catering to 18-year-olds. Wu emphasized that the "strong generation," those aged 45, 55, and 60 and above, controls a significant portion of Taiwan's wealth yet often regrets not having pursued higher education. He urged the ministry to leverage u niversity resources to encourage this demographic to return to academia, suggesting universities as an alternative to nursing homes for retirees. He also noted that public hearings and consultations with various societal sectors have shown support for special classes offering bachelor's and multi-specialty degree programs. In response, the Ministry of Education intends to develop core curriculum modules with the help of a professional team in the short term. In the medium term, they plan to pilot the "third chapter of life university" at select schools, with long-term plans to offer degrees.
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