At Qingdao University for the Elderly, instructor Ji Pengcheng mirrored his smartphone screen onto a large display, showing about a dozen students how to edit videos. When someone struggled with an operation, he walked over to help.

　　Wang enrolled in the class earlier this year. In six months, she has learned to use editing software, camera techniques and video templates.

　　"Whenever I share a self-made video clip in my family WeChat group, the children always give me a thumbs-up," she said, smiling.

　　Such enthusiasm among learners has fueled surging demand for tech courses at universities for the elderly nationwide.

　　In 2025, all 60 places in a DeepSeek AI course at a university for the elderly in Guangzhou were snapped up within tens of seconds upon registration. In Shanghai, the university for the elderly has enrolled students even in their 80s on drone photography courses, which were launched in 2022.

　　At Ningxia University for the Elderly, more than 3,600 people have registered for technology courses, covering AI applications, video production, smart home technology and e-commerce.

　　"Many courses fill up within minutes of registration opening," said Liu Rui, deputy director of the university's service center.

　　China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) calls for expanding educational opportunities for older people and developing more universities for the elderly to meet their cultural and intellectual needs.

　　For many participants, the appeal goes beyond learning new practical skills, with classes also providing opportunities for personal growth and social interaction.

　　"Learning these new skills has made my retirement more fulfilling," said Xu Zonggang, a 70-year-old in Qingdao, who is planning his next trip with classmates.■