In November 1999, the Macao Polytechnic Institute established its ‘Seniors Academy’ which was the first academic unit in Macao enabling the elderly to study at a higher educational institution. In just over four years, 1973 elderly students have graduated. The objectives of the Academy are as follows: to put the idea of continuing education for senior citizens into practice; to give them an opportunity to go back to school; to enrich and renew their knowledge; to enhance their life expectations.

According to these objectives, there are various areas of subjects for the elderly to choose from, such as computer science, languages, technologies, arts and health education. There are now 25 subjects and 23 activities, for a total of 54 classes with 478 enrolments. In order to offer equal opportunity of education for the elderly, from the academic year 2003/2004, the study period of students was fixed to four years.

It is important to note that the study of any particular subject is not the only objective of the courses the Academy provides. It is also very important to help the elderly make full use of their spare time. Generally speaking, no-one is ever too old to learn, and thus be happy with their acquired knowledge or skills. The Academy organises some groups simply for the sake of interest, for example, chorus, musical instruments and traditional Chinese dancing. In addition, a team of volunteers was formed to help others and encourage the elderly to explore all their potentials. Apart from these, there is a Tai Chi team in the academy, which has the objectives of developing the popularity of the sport of Tai Chi and encouraging the elderly to do more physical exercise. This team has won the acclaim of people in several matches and performances.

During the past nine years, the Academy has been keen to exchange experience with educational institutions of a similar nature, on mainland China, in Taiwan and Hong Kong, in order to find the most suitable way of conducting its programmes for the elderly.