China seniors pursue overseas education after retirement to realise unfulfilled dreams

As retired people in China pursue the dream of studying overseas, the country’s education system is facing the challenge of catering for the demands of an ageing population. Qiu Lianru, 66, became a student of a short-term programme at the Arts University Bournemouth in England last year. Rejecting a traditional restful retirement, Qiu studies fashion design, printmaking, jewellery making and photography and stays in a student dormitory. She says it provides her with inner fulfilment. “I want...

By Fran Lu