Yangcheon-gu is launching the 40th session of its Jangsu Culture University for Seniors — a program designed to support healthy and active aging through lifelong learning — starting this month, the district announced.
First launched in 2004 as the first program of its kind in the country, the Jangsu Culture University for Seniors has produced more than 22,800 graduates to date and stands as the district's flagship initiative for older residents. The 39th session, held in the first half of this year, was offered at community centers in Mok 1 through 5-dong, Sinjeong 1, 2, 6 and 7-dong, and the Sinjeong 3-dong Neolbeundeul Civil Affairs Center, with more than 320 seniors completing the course.
The 40th session runs from Aug. 24 through Nov. 12 at nine neighborhood community centers — Sinwol 1 through 7-dong and Sinjeong 3 and 4-dong — as a 10-week course. Seniors who attend more than 50 percent of sessions will receive a certificate of completion, and a graduation ceremony bringing all graduates together will be held in the final week.
Any resident of Yangcheon-gu aged 60 or 65 and older — the minimum age varies by neighborhood — is eligible to apply by calling or visiting their local community center. Enrollment schedules by neighborhood are available from the district's autonomous administration division or the relevant community center.
Meanwhile, a survey of participants from the first-half session found that health and leisure programs — including exercise and laughter therapy — and outdoor field trips drew the highest satisfaction ratings. Demand was also strong for practical digital education such as how to use kiosk terminals and smartphone photography, as well as physical activity programs.
In response, the district has themed the fall semester "Autumn Colored by Learning, a Jangsu Culture University That Enriches Life," tailoring the curriculum to seniors' preferences. The lineup includes outdoor field trips centered on visiting local landmarks and hands-on experiences, disease prevention and health promotion lectures, smartphone usage classes, and health and leisure programs such as singing, dance and exercise.
The district also plans to partner with related departments, including the community health division, to offer courses on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention, on-site lifestyle safety education and dementia awareness. Practical sessions on AI literacy and voice-phishing prevention will also be scheduled at each neighborhood center to help seniors navigate a rapidly changing social environment.
"The Jangsu Culture University for Seniors is a meaningful space where older residents gain vitality through new learning, connect with their neighbors and build a healthy later life," Yangcheon-gu District Mayor Lee Gi-jae said. "We will continue to reflect seniors' voices in a wide range of lifelong learning programs to support an even happier retirement."
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