TCL.Why did you stop going to school when you were younger? What inspired you to start it again?  

Ms. Liuo. I didn’t have a happy childhood. My parents divorced when I was a baby, and I was raised by my grandmother until I was six. After that, I moved in with my father and stepmother. Our family was poor, and my stepmother didn’t like me. I was afraid of making mistakes because I would be punished. When I struggled in school, she preferred I stayed home to help with household work, so I stopped going to school at 15. 

At 20, I started working at Taiwan Sugar Company in the accounting department and worked there for 40 years. After retiring at 60, I felt lost until a priest invited me to join the University for Seniors. This became a transformative journey for me. At 62, I joined classmates in starting a school orchestra and chose to learn the Erhu, a challenging Chinese instrument. I fell in love with playing it and joined our senior band. 

At the University for Seniors, I explored various subjects, including Japanese, English, sign language, ukulele, pharmaceutical studies, and biology. The opportunities were endless, and I made many new friends. It has been a truly fulfilling experience, almost like paradise in my heart. 

TCL. How is your experience with going to school different now compared to when you were younger?  

Ms. Liuo. It’s totally different now. When I was young, I was expected to get good grades and focus solely on textbook material, with lots of homework and no choice in the classes I attended. I had no say in what I learned.  Now, I have no homework and can choose the classes I enjoy. Attending these classes and meeting friends is deeply fulfilling. Staying home and doing nothing felt boring. Going to school allows me to make new friends, have fun, and learn new things. It’s important for me to stay connected to society and understand current conversations. I love asking younger people about popular issues and keeping up with key information. It’s particularly satisfying when people comment on how much I know!  

TCL. In what ways is your experience with learning, is it the same as when you were younger?  

Ms. Liuo. Actually, it’s completely different now. When I was young, I had to learn based on my parents’ and school’s demands, and I never had time to consider my own interests because I was so busy with family and work. It wasn’t until I retired that I truly began to enjoy learning about things that interest me. The University for Seniors has been instrumental in helping me explore this new journey of learning. 

TCL. How important do you think it is it to keep learning and exploring new or old interests as we age?  

Ms. Liuo. People often say I’m different from others my age, and my friends even call me “Daughter of the Sun,” noting how bright, lively, and fashionable I am. This feedback brings me happiness and confidence. I don’t want to be seen as too old to dress stylishly; I’m careful with my appearance and feel quite down if I wear something I don’t like. 

I remember once chasing a bus, and the driver, seeing my card indicating I was over 65, commented that I ran like a young lady. I’ll never forget his look! I believe my love for learning keeps me vibrant and has even inspired some young people, who say they want to be like me when they grow older. I know that age won’t stop me from learning. 

A few years ago, I underwent three surgeries for a condition called ASBO (Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction). Despite being weak and losing weight, I focused on my recovery, driven by everything I’ve learned. I’m determined to live life as I wish and stay active. 

TCL. How does having fun and enjoying activities impact overall well-being? 

Ms. Liuo. I love that people admire me and often seek my advice. Many friends and even teachers come to me for guidance and to hear about my experiences. I enjoy helping others, meeting new people, and seeing new things. Staying home limits what I can do, so I prefer being active. 

I love participating in activities, such as playing the Erhu in our senior orchestra band. We often receive invitations to perform, which requires regular practice. Staying busy with these activities and helping others makes my life more fulfilling and fun. 

Ms. Liuo’s inspiring journey of lifelong learning at 83 demonstrates that education is a lifelong opportunity unrestricted by age. Her story encourages a fresh perspective on how we approach learning throughout our lives. 

For innovators in lifelong education, Ms. Liuo’s experience highlights the importance of designing programmes that are flexible, engaging, and inclusive. Her success showcases how innovative approaches can create opportunities for people of all ages to continue exploring their interests and staying intellectually active. 

Her commitment to learning serves as a gentle reminder that embracing innovation in education can make lifelong learning accessible and fulfilling. Ms. Liuo’s example helps us see more clearly a future where creative and adaptive educational solutions enrich every stage of life, proving that it’s never too late to start something new.