China's 1st senior learning curriculum expo to open in Shanghai

China's inaugural Senior Learning Curriculum Expo, the first national exhibition focusing on elderly education and lifelong learning, is set to take place from Oct 18 to 20 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Hosted by Shanghai Open University and co-organized by the Shanghai Education Television Station and Shanghai University for the Senior, the expo covers 8,000 square meters and is poised to attract over 100,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors. It will feature a diverse curriculum for senior learners, stimulate demand for educational tools, textbooks, and cultural and creative products, to showcase innovative educational offerings and boost the "silver economy".

Shanghai, home to 5.68 million residents aged 60 and above, has prioritized senior education during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), establishing 18 new senior universities and eight university-based senior learning centers.

Shanghai University for the Senior, a key provider, operates two campuses with 10 departments and seven academic divisions, offering over 700 classes per semester. Its enrollment exceeded 25,000 students per semester in 2024, a record high. Citywide, senior education institutions — public and private — offered 11,945 courses across 22,032 classes in 2024, providing over 1 million enrollment slots, reflecting strong public demand.

Beyond traditional favorites like piano, vocal music, dance, calligraphy and painting, seniors are increasingly drawn to modern courses such as mobile photography and production, coffee appreciation, artificial intelligence and lifestyle. Vocal music classes remain particularly popular, alongside dance, cooking and health-care courses.

Notable enterprises are also engaging, such as the French beauty firm L'Oreal Group which plans to present image management courses tailored for the elderly at the expo, highlighting the integration of corporate innovation with senior education needs.