The Office of Academic Service and the Faculty of Education have introduced an innovative art therapy curriculum to support the health, well-being, and lifelong learning of more than 120 older adult participants.

On 12 June 2026, the Office of Academic Service and the Faculty of Education at Khon Kaen University (KKU) joined forces with Phra Yuen Ming Mongkhon Sub-district Municipality, Phra Yuen District, Khon Kaen Province, to launch the “Phra Yuen Ming Mongkhon Municipality Senior Citizens School Project for the 2026 Fiscal Year”. Grounded in the concept of ‘active ageing’, the project welcomed more than 120 local older residents to the opening ceremony at the Phra Yuen Ming Mongkhon Sub-district Municipality office.

             The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Chairoj Wanphet, Mayor of Phra Yuen Ming Mongkhon Sub-district Municipality. A delegation of KKU administrators also attended to support the driving of this initiative, including Associate Professor Wayu Kanjanasorn, Ph.D., Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Sustainable Society, and Assistant Professor Siripong Piasiri, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Administration and Organizational Communications from the Faculty of Education. They were accompanied by Mr Prayat Suebmuangphai, Acting Director of the Administrative Division, and Mr Phrumon Thiansricharoen from the Lifelong Education Centre, Office of Academic Service.

The defining feature of this year’s project is the collaboration between the municipality and the two KKU units in developing an innovative curriculum designed specifically for older adults. Working within the ‘active ageing’ framework, the curriculum aims to strengthen physical, mental, and social well-being while building sustainable lifelong learning practices into the community.

Creative highlights: ‘Art for Longevity for Senior Citizens’

A prominent activity that drew considerable interest from participants was the “Art for Longevity for Senior Citizens” course. Developed jointly by the Faculty of Education and the Office of Academic Service, the course uses artistic creation as a primary tool to support the well-being and quality of life of older participants.

         The curriculum draws together adult education principles, art education, and art therapy. Led by Assistant Professor Dr Piasiri, a specialist in art education, a team of 15 instructors and volunteers provided close, personalised supervision throughout. Across the three-day programme, participants engaged in creative activities designed to stimulate brain function, encourage creativity, build self-confidence, and support mental health, including: 

• Drawing life journeys to reflect personal pride through colors and imagination.
• Sculpting memories into three-dimensional art to stimulate sensory perception and fine motor skills.
• Creating collaborative artworks under the theme “Our Roots, Our Dream Community” to strengthen communal bonds and cultural pride.
• Practising watercolour techniques and recording personal moments of happiness in private sketchbooks.
• Participating in an educational field trip to the art and cultural centres and key learning sites across Khon Kaen University.

Beyond art: cultivating joy and purposeful livelihoods

Participants gained foundational artistic skills across sketching, sculpting, and watercolour painting, which can be woven into daily routines to reduce stress and ease loneliness. The programme also gave older adults the opportunity to build new friendships, forming a grassroots ‘learning community’.

This initiative reflects the role of Khon Kaen University as an institution committed to community service, and contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) through art-based health promotion; Quality Education (SDG 4) by extending lifelong learning to all ages; Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by strengthening local older adult communities; and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through collaboration between higher education and local government. Together, these strands offer a model for improving the quality of life of older adults — one that frames dignified ageing not merely as longevity, but as a life of continued learning, purpose, and connection.