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The Wind Rises in the Chrysanthemum Isle, Gathering Hearts: National Chung Cheng University Deepens Active Aging Learning in Outlying Islands, Showcasing New Momentum for Cross-Sea Collaborative Learning

publish date : 2026-09-21

Advised by the Ministry of Education, organized by the Education Department of Penghu County Government, and co-organized by the Senior Education Research Center of National Chung Cheng University (the Active Aging Learning General Advisory Group of the Ministry of Education) together with the Huxi Township Office of Penghu County, the "Penghu Active Aging Talent Cultivation Achievement Exhibition—The Wind Rises in the Chrysanthemum Isle, Gathering Hearts" was held on the afternoon of September 18 at the Huxi Township Office, highlighting the outcomes of senior education and talent development achieved across the outlying islands over the past six months.

The event commenced with an uplifting musical presentation titled "Melody and Motion: Joyful Strumming and Singing," performed by participants from the Penghu Active Aging Learning Demonstration Center. Penghu County Government Senior Executive Officer Chi-Chang Su and Huxi Township Mayor Chen-Chung Chen attended the gathering in person to extend words of encouragement, highly commending the older adults for their passion for lifelong education. Participants from the Penghu Active Aging Learning Demonstration Center also integrated modern technology with creative storytelling by leveraging generative AI to script, produce, and perform in the original play "The Adventure of Baby Fengru," vividly demonstrating their intellectual curiosity and vitality in adapting to technological advancements.

During the showcase, "Learning Passbook" honors were presented to 13 active aging participants who earned the Perfect Attendance Award and the Growth Award after completing 11 hours of online coursework between March and August. Through systematic and cumulative study, these senior learners progressed from passive recipients of knowledge to proactive practitioners and advocates. In an engaging talk-show format, four instructors, volunteers, and senior participants shared reflections on "Micro-Learning, Major Transformations," articulating how active aging education inspired substantial personal growth. The most moving highlight of the day was the inspiring journey of a married couple, Chiu-Li Lin and Long-Zhang Hong. Upon retiring, Chiu-Li refused to let her daily life be defined solely by television shows and digital devices, deciding instead to step out into the community and embrace senior education. Her husband, Long-Zhang, initially felt puzzled seeing her spend entire days at the senior center. However, when the "Fengru Theater" faced a pressing shortage of crew members during preparations, Chiu-Li invited him to assist backstage. Immersing himself in the project, Long-Zhang quickly realized the distinct appeal of active aging learning. He wholeheartedly contributed to fabricating detailed stage props, applied his calligraphy mastery to create distinctive cyanotype sun prints under Penghu's clear skies, and joined the cast for rehearsals and stage performances. Transitioning from a detached observer to someone "even more dedicated than his wife," the couple confirmed with radiant smiles that when partners hold hands and take that first step together, later life could always be enriched with vibrant new colors.

The exhibition specifically invited a delegation from the Taichung City Active Aging Learning Demonstration Center across the sea to participate in on-site demonstrations and peer exchanges. Their "Youthful Vitality Mobile Action Service Troupe" delivered a high-spirited crossover dance performance, embodying the active aging ethos of staying socially engaged after retirement through self-directed community service. Additionally, teaching demonstrations conducted by instructors from mainland Taiwan—including digital skills training by Instructor You-Cheng Huang and Zentangle meditative drawing by Instructor Ya-Chi Liang—closely connected educational resources across diverse learning centers.

Professor Hui-Chuan Wei of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education at National Chung Cheng University, who serves as the Principal Investigator of the Active Aging Learning General Advisory Group, alongside Co-Principal Investigator Professor Ai-Tzu Li, stated that the team had been deeply engaged in mentoring senior education across outlying islands since March 2026. Addressing the persistent challenges of transportation barriers and instructor retention in remote island communities, the advisory group introduced two strategic initiatives: "Migratory Teacher Co-Learning" and "Online Learning via the Learning Passbook." By pairing systematic learning accumulation with structured peer-coaching mechanisms, the team successfully established an autonomous and sustainable talent cultivation framework for remote islands, ensuring that the breeze of lifelong learning sweeps through every corner of the Chrysanthemum Isle.

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