Learning spaces for young, old generations

President William Lai (賴清德) in 2024 outlined his vision for a “Healthy Taiwan,” and in his Double Ten National Day address last week introduced policies to address the declining birthrate and super-aged population. Those included a family support system, four major areas of medical care, the Long-Term Care 3.0 program and a plan to deepen local healthcare services. These initiatives aim to build a network of healthcare pillars to safeguard Taiwan and respond to society’s needs.

Taiwan is facing a declining birthrate and an aging population. Young couples struggle to balance childcare and work, while older adults often find their social circles shrinking after retirement, leaving them vulnerable.

As student numbers decline, some schools have reduced classes or merged with other schools, leaving some classrooms unused. The government should transform these spaces into hubs that connect generations, support families and promote healthy aging. Establishing intergenerational learning centers could allow grandparents to bring their grandchildren to school, fostering a lifestyle of inclusivity, mutual enjoyment and meaningful connections between generations.

These “intergenerational learning centers” would provide opportunities for different generations to spend time together and learn from one another. Older participants could take part in health exercises and strength training, learn digital skills, attend health seminars and engage with their communities, while young children could enjoy games, reading and exploratory activities.

Such learning centers could also ease the childcare burden on young families, helping parents balance work and family life.

However, grandparents’ companionship should not replace professional childcare, nor should the responsibility of caring for children fall entirely on older adults. Factors such as child safety, staffing levels, hygiene management and older adults’ willingness to participate must all be carefully considered.

For older people, health means more than simply being free from illness. It also requires social interaction, continued learning, and feeling loved and respected by others. Interacting with children could increase seniors’ social engagement, and sharing their life experiences could help restore their sense of accomplishment.

Children, in turn, could learn wisdom, respect and compassion from older people, thereby cultivating mutual support across generations.

To promote intergenerational learning centers, the Ministry of Education should work with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments to identify unused classrooms and launch pilot programs in communities with high childcare needs and large elderly populations. Schools, community organizations, early childhood educators and long-term care professionals should work together to operate the centers. If the pilot program is successful, the government could gradually expand the program.

A “Healthy Taiwan” should not merely seek to extend life expectancy, but also ensure that everyone can live healthy, happy and dignified lives. By integrating underused school facilities, seniors’ experience, childcare resources and the strength of local communities, Taiwan could turn its demographic challenges into an opportunity for generations to thrive together.

By establishing shared learning spaces, school campuses would once again ring with children’s laughter, the wisdom of older people would be passed on and young families would receive the support they need, creating a “Healthy Taiwan” for all.

Lee Shen-yi is honorary chairman of the Consumers’ Foundation.