Active ageing: Elderly Commission Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung (second right) and Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Sandra Lee (third left) open the first Elder Academy.

The Elder Academy will be formed in various districts this year, giving the elderly a better chance to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Speaking at the setting ceremony of the pioneer Elder Academy at Yan Chai Hospital Chan Iu Seng Primary School in Tseung Kwan O today, Elderly Commission Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung said the plan will promote active ageing in view of Hong Kong's ageing population.

"Without any academic prerequisites, the academy allows more elderly to engage in and enjoy activities that foster their physical and mental well-being and enhance their sense of achievement and self-confidence through learning," he said.

Education organisations and school/organisation partners can make joint applications for setting up an academy to the commission between February 3 to March 3.

The commission hopes to disburse grants of $50,000 as seed money to elder academies before the end of 2007-08 financial year to enable them to commence operation by September 2007.

The guidelines can be downloaded from the commission's website. For enquiries call 3150 8925 during office hours.