Introduction
摘要
This chapter establishes the foundational premise and context for the volume, arguing that the digital empowerment of education for older adults is a critical solution to achieving inclusive, high-quality, and balanced development in elderly education, particularly in China. It frames the discussion within the dual imperatives of rapid global population aging and the pervasive digital transformation of society. The chapter outlines the critical demographic challenges China faces, examines supportive national policy frameworks, and presents a case study of Guangdong University for the Elderly as a strategic provincial response. It articulates the book’s primary objectives, which combine a comprehensive literature review with empirical field research to identify challenges, explore solutions, and propose a theoretical model for digital empowerment. Finally, it delineates the varied target audience for the volume, including educators, researchers, policymakers, and older learners themselves.