Seniors learn skills to stay connected

"I usually show them how to use a specific application step by step," Chen said. "They closely follow each step and take down many notes in case they forget later."

One of the oldest students in Chen's class is 83 years old. Though he learns quite slowly and often makes mistakes, Chen said he still attends every lesson and now knows how to use the WeChat app to make video calls and send red envelopes.

Ai Hui, 56, is class monitor for one smartphone class at the university.

"They chose me to be the class monitor because I am one of the youngest students in class," Ai said. "I used to ask my daughter to teach me how to use smartphones, but she often got impatient with me as she was quite busy with work."

She has been attending the 90-minute smartphone classes once a week for a semester.

Ai said the teachers are very patient and students can ask them any questions at any time during the class.

"After one semester, I now know how to take pictures, use maps, buy train tickets, use Alipay and book hospital appointments online," she said. "It has made my life much more convenient."

Cheng Lianggu, 77, another student in the class, said communicating with his wife became much easier after he learned how to use WeChat. His wife is staying at their daughter's home to help take care of their granddaughter.

"I have also learned how to take pictures with the phone," Cheng said. "With more practice, I think I will be able to take stunning pictures."