Elderly care: Elderly Commission Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung, Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung officiate at the Elder Academy commencement ceremony.

Academies for the elderly not only encourage seniors to continue learning but serve as a platform for welfare organisations to better understand their talent and needs, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

Speaking at the Elder Academy Commencement Ceremony today Mr Cheung appealed to the participating organisations, seniors and young people to work together to promote the development of elder academies.

"Pursuing continuous learning enables elders to keep pace with the times, take part in community service and continue to contribute to society," he said, adding they can also share with the younger generation their valuable life experience.

Jointly established by schools and welfare organisations, 78 elder academies across the city will offer about 10,000 places to elders this academic year.

Meanwhile, seven tertiary institutions are offering 1,000 places for seniors to pursue learning at university.