Elderly Attending Public Universities Say "This is a University of Youth"

Elderly residents of Hwaseong City are transforming into youth after six months of enjoying the pleasure of lifelong learning, receiving university diplomas one after another.

Nine public senior universities in the city will sequentially complete the 2010 academic year curriculum, starting with the Byeongjeom Senior University commencement ceremony on the 16th through the 26th.

The commencement ceremony for Byeongjeom Senior University, held in the auditorium of the City's East Branch Office, was attended by approximately 150 senior university students and their families, who appeared noticeably younger through various lectures and programs at the senior university.

Chae In-seok, Mayor of Hwaseong City, said, "I offer hearty applause to the passion of our elders, who demonstrate that age is merely a number," and added, "Through senior universities, I hope you will embark on the second and third acts of your lives as respected adults society demands, with new experiences and education."

Byeongjeom Senior University has operated various programs since April, including theatrical performances, lectures on elderly health, laughter workshops, and depression prevention programs.

Eom Ik-mok, President of Byeongjeom Senior University, proudly stated, "Senior universities operate diverse programs so people can lead joyful and healthy lives. For our elderly, the senior university is not just a senior university—it's a university of youth."

The city provides operating funding of up to 30 million won to each senior university, and approximately 1,700 elderly people register as students each year, spending healthy golden years.