Elderly Commission Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung has called for more institutions to provide education for senior citizens.

Launching the Inaugural 2009 Public Seminars in Elderly Learning today Dr Leong said learning helps seniors' social lives and mental well being, adding people of different ages should have educational opportunities. He urged educational institutes to take part.

"With the advancement in medical science, people have a longer lifespan [and] post-retirement life nowadays. The commission attaches importance to [encouraging] elders to live a fruitful life."

Today's seminar saw Dr Rick Swindell, who is a pioneer in online elderly education in Australia, discuss the empowering influence of the Internet for opening new, low-cost opportunities for learning, teaching and social inclusion.

Three more seminars will be held at the Institute of Education in Tai Po February 20, and March 6 and 20. For details click here. For registration call 2948 8761.