AI courses aim to help elderly with daily life

The university has integrated safety education into daily classes, using typical cases like AI face-swapping, false health information and identity fraud to raise students' awareness of risk prevention.

"The proactive learning of AI by seniors is a vivid reflection of embracing the intelligent era and practicing lifelong learning," Shi said.

"It not only meets the practical need for seniors to integrate into digital life but also reflects their deep-seated desire to enrich their spiritual and cultural lives and realize self-worth."

Yang, an avid photographer, also uses AI to analyze his photos, receiving suggestions on lighting and composition.

The drive to adapt to an aging population has become a national strategy in China. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, by the end of 2025, the population aged 60 and older had reached 320 million. This rapid aging process has highlighted the urgent need for initiatives such as AI education for seniors.

Wang Jiaoxue, an instructor at the Seniors University of Shanxi, has witnessed growing enthusiasm for the AI courses.

"When we opened registration in March, it was exceptionally popular. We had to expand enrollment twice, eventually accommodating 244 students across six classes," she said. The students ranged from 50 to 80 years old, with varying levels of smartphone proficiency.

To cater to the unique learning characteristics of seniors, Wang has tailored courses to focus on practical, everyday applications. The curriculum includes the use of large models such as Doubao and Qianwen, image and video generation software such as Dreamina and Kling AI and health-related applications such as Ant Afu.

Recognizing the challenges posed by memory decline, Wang has slowed the teaching pace, breaking down complex operations into simple, step-by-step demonstrations.