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Macau adapts schools to include elderly in education

The decline in birth rates in Macau is prompting schools to be repurposed for elderly learners, who have attended 41,000 courses in the last three years, though the initiative faces skepticism.

23 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Macau adapts schools to include elderly in education — Archive photoPhoto: Creator:Itier · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The decline in birth rates in Macau has led to adaptations in the education system, with schools being converted to include elderly students. In 2025, only 2,871 births were registered, prompting new approaches in education.

In the past three years, around 41,000 elderly individuals have attended courses in the region, indicating a growing demand for education tailored to this age group. This paradigm shift aims to address the needs of an aging population.

Despite the initiative to reinvent the school model, not all stakeholders believe this solution is effective. Concerns have been expressed by teachers who feel they have no viable alternatives.

The transition to include older students in Macau's schools reflects not only the demographic crisis but also an effort to integrate seniors into the community and educational activities. The implementation of this model continues to spark debates about its sustainability.

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