In twilight years, learning remains a joy

Chinese diplomat Wu Jianmin (right).[Photo by Wu Jun/For China Daily]

It reminded me of when I studied at University of Hawaii quite a few years ago. On the first day of the American studies course I came across a classmate, a Vietnam War veteran in his 70s, who was active, curious and simply loved this course. I have to admit that it was the biggest cultural shock I have ever experienced. In China there would have been no chance for me to sit in the same classroom with people of my grandparents' age.

Many years have passed since then. The economic gap between China and the United States has narrowed substantially, but this discrepancy in attitudes toward learning at old age remains almost the same. You still do not see grandmothers and grandfathers at school.

But who needs to go to school to learn? Older people are fortunate enough to be able to satisfy their intellectual curiosity by attending lectures, and by going to museums and libraries. It is fun to learn when you do not face the pressure of going for a degree, a job or promotion. In fact some of these people, not content to pick up knowledge themselves, start helping others to learn, too.

At many museums and art galleries you come across many senior citizens who volunteer to guide visitors through the exhibitions. They tell them the history and stories behind cultural relics and how to appreciate the beauty of the art works. Before they can do this they have to pass tests that the museums give.

Many of these senior volunteers say they loved traditional culture when they were young but were unable to study it or work in the field. They feel so lucky that they can finally do something they love and serve other people in retirement.

"Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age," Aristotle said. We Chinese have a saying that is echoed in the West: You are never too old to learn. I hope we all keep this in mind, and create an environment in which the choices of old people in their leisure-time pursuits are not limited to the joys of square dancing and taking care of grandchildren.