This volume provides an in-depth analysis of historical and recent developments of senior learning in Taiwan, where publications in English have been scant. It takes a broader view on lifelong learning and active ageing from a theoretical/conceptual base written by prominent international authors- this represents the ‘outside in’ perspective. The ‘inside out’ on the other hand signifies an in-depth investigation of initiatives written by authors from Taiwan who are closely involved with developments in policy and practice.
The volume is situated theoretically in the intersection of complementary concepts such as lifelong learning, active ageing, later life learning, learning communities and social movements. It is located geographically and culturally in East Asia where senior learning/education is expanding in response to large populations of older adults and concerns about their physical and social well-being. It is argued that Taiwan is leading the way in terms of innovation and community engagement in regard to older adult learning/education and can thus serve as a model for neighboring countries.
By analyzing historical precedents, cultural dynamics, policy trends, research sub-fields and community engagement this book is of interest to both East Asian and Western scholars, practitioners, policy-makers and students amongst the fields of lifelong learning, social gerontology and educational psychology.
Hui-Chuan (Peggy) Wei completed a PhD in Educational Policy and Administration from University of Minnesota, USA. Professor Wei is the General Director of Taiwan’s Active Aging Learning Program funded by the Ministry of Education. She has overseen the program for over 10 years, ever since the policy enactment in 2008. Professor Wei is also a professor and the former chair of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education at National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan. Nearby the university campus, Peggy manages a farm functioning also as a communal learning-based care center “Active Aging on the Ark”.
Brian Findsen completed an EdD in Adult Education and Sociology from North Carolina State University, USA. Professor Findsen was admitted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame in 2012. He has worked in adult and continuing education in universities for most of his career, as an adult educator (teacher, researcher, manager) at the University of Auckland, AUT University and the University of Glasgow (2004-2008) where he served as the Head of Department for Adult & Continuing Education. Brian recently retired from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, and continues to act as a councillor for Age Concern Hamilton.
Ai-Tzu (Iris) Li achieved an Ed.D. in Adult Education from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, USA. Professor Li is the current associate dean of the College of Education, current chair of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education at National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan. Alongside Professor Wei in Taiwan’s Active Aging Learning Program, Professor Li serves as a co-director of the program and the chair of the Taiwan Active Aging Association. Iris specializes in program planning and evaluation.
