Author: Zhai Yuzhao, Liu Tingting

Publisher: Yangcheng Evening News

Date: April 18, 2025

In an effort to establish a global innovation hub within the artificial intelligence industry, Jinan University has recently initiated a series of engaging AI lectures aimed at empowering elderly citizens. Organized by the Retirement Work Office, these lectures focus on three key themes: AI + Caring for Next Generation Education, AI + Health Management, and AI + Smart Life, providing seniors with useful insights into enhancing their quality of life through technology.

(At the AI lectures)

High Demand and Engaging Environment

The response from the elderly community has been overwhelmingly positive. Reporters from Autumn Light witnessed a packed classroom where seniors eagerly flipped through textbooks and recorded lecture content with their phones. The audience comprised a diverse age range, including those in their 90s and recently retired individuals. Volunteer members of the Ji Xu service team were seen accommodating latecomers and assisting attendees, demonstrating the event's popularity, with venues frequently booked to capacity and online reservations quickly filling up.

Expert Involvement and Innovative Programs

The success of the lectures can be attributed to the collaboration with Jinan University’s Elderly Continuing Education College and its vast pool of intellectual resources. Esteemed faculty and experts were invited to lead sessions. For instance, Liu Zitao, Dean of the Guangdong Smart Education Research Institute, introduced an AI teaching assistant program called Nine Chapters Q&A. He showcased how artificial intelligence can cater to personalized educational needs, including lesson preparation and mental health support.

(At the AI lecture)

Zhang Guojie, Executive Vice President of Guangzhou Open University for the Elderly, shared practical insights on smart assistance for the elderly. He addressed concerns about electronic fraud and provided hands-on guidance on using AI in everyday tasks. Zhang emphasized the importance of maintaining critical thinking and rationality when using AI, reminding participants that while AI can be an invaluable assistant, it should never replace informed human judgment.

Focus on Health Management

Retired associate professor Yao Bei, part of the Ji Xu volunteer service team, shared her focus on making AI accessible to seniors. She discussed how AI can facilitate personal health management, dietary planning, and the maintenance of health records, aligning these processes with traditional Lingnan cultural practices. Yao advocated for integrating cultural and medical wisdom into AI applications, ultimately aiming to enhance health outcomes for the elderly in China.

Inspirational Outcomes

The lectures not only provided valuable information but also sparked inspiration among participants. Li Shengli, a member of the Jinan University Working Committee, expressed excitement about using AI technology to narrate inspiring stories of heroes. He mentioned his efforts to recreate the experiences of martyrs using AI, aiming to evoke emotional responses through vivid portrayals of their sacrifices.

According to the Retirement Work Office, these AI lectures are part of the Technology Escort series aimed at narrowing the digital divide for seniors. By introducing new technologies and addressing the evolving needs of elderly citizens, the series has become a hallmark of Jinan University’s engagement with its retired cadre community.

Zhao Lanxiang, a 90-year-old retired professor who attended the lecture, affirmed the positive impact of technology on their lives: Technology is continuously advancing, and we, as retired colleagues, are keeping pace. Now that we are equipped with high-tech knowledge, our lives have become more liberated, confident, and empowered.

This initiative illustrates Jinan University’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation among senior citizens, ensuring they remain engaged and connected in a rapidly changing technological landscape.