Research Article

Content Analysis of Elderly Education Policies in China: From the Perspective of Policy Instruments (1982–2021)

Table 2

Classification and connotation definition of policy instruments for the elderly education.

Type of instrumentsName of the instrumentsDefinition of the connotation of instrument classificationSample text (serial number from the policy)

Supply-basedEducation investmentThe government invests funds and other materials for the elderly educationGovernments at all levels should continue to increase the investment in the elderly education (No. 14)
Resource allocationImprove the utilization rate by optimizing the allocation of the existing resourcesActively explore the establishment of fixed learning places in nursing homes for the elderly, urban social welfare homes, rural nursing homes, and other elderly care institutions (No. 30)
Resource constructionBuild the infrastructure of the elderly education or develop the curriculum, course, teaching resource library, and so onEstablish a learning resource library for the elderly to support the development of the elderly education in the region (No. 30)
Team constructionTraining, introduction, and welfare guarantee of the teachers and administrators of the elderly educationEstablish a part-time teacher team for the elderly education composed of retired cadres, professional and technical personnel, and other veteran comrades with expertise (No. 30)
Technical supportProvide Internet, information, and other technical support to promote the development of the elderly educationPromote the integration of information technology into the whole process of education and teaching for the elderly, facilitate online and offline integrated teaching, and support the elderly to do online learning (No. 30)

Environment-basedPolicy and strategyPolicy, direction, and vision of the elderly educationThe establishment of an elderly university should conform to the national education policy and the purpose of the elderly work (No. 6)
Goal programmingPut forward specific education plans, objectives, and requirementsThe proportion of towns (streets) with schools for the elderly reached 50%, and the proportion of the elderly who regularly participated in educational activities reached more than 20% (No. 31)
Standardized managementEstablish system and mechanism, clarify management subject and responsibility, and perfect systemFormulate and promulgate national regulations on elderly education and strengthen the standardized management of elderly education (No. 9)
Implementation guidanceGuide the implementation paths, forms, methods, and contents of the elderly educationAccording to the characteristics of the elderly, combine ideological education with healthy and beneficial cultural and sports activities, solve ideological problems, and solve practical issues (No. 7)
Incentive guidanceEncourage and mobilize all target groups to actively support the elderly educationEncourage social education institutions to provide convenience and preferential services for the elderly to carry out learning activities (No. 33)
Platform and publicityBuild a platform to promote exchange and cooperation, resource sharing, experience promotion, and so onBuild a national platform for the elderly education resource sharing and public services (No. 43)

Demand-basedPurchase serviceThe government funded the purchase service to support all target groups to hold or participate in the elderly educationSupport and encourage various social forces to hold or participate in elderly education by means of sole proprietorship, joint venture, cooperation, through government purchase of services and project cooperation (No. 30)
Industry-drivenBy promoting the development of the related industries, forming investment value, and driving all target groups to support and participate in the elderly educationExpand the consumption of elderly education, explore the value of elderly care services, tourism, clothing, culture, and other industries closely related to elderly education, promote the upgrading of life services, stimulate domestic demands, and enhance investment growth and the development of related industries (No. 30)
Value-leadingGuide target groups to support and participate in elderly education by publicizing and emphasizing personal or social valuesEncourage the elderly to use their expertise to actively serve and contribute to society in the fields of science popularization, environmental protection, community service, public security, stability maintenance, and so on (No. 30)
Honor-drivenHonors such as “advanced” and “demonstration” will be given to drive all target groups to support and participate in the elderly educationCommend the advanced units and individuals who have outstanding performance in elderly education and elderly sports activities (No. 14)