NCKU Law Department Promotes Elder Rights in 2026 Community Legal Education Event-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

Taiwan officially became a “super-aged society” in 2025, with people aged 65 and above accounting for more than 20% of the population. As people age, they not only face gradual physical and cognitive decline, but may also experience reduced social participation and limited access to information. As a result, older adults are more vulnerable to having their rights overlooked or compromised, particularly regarding property management and medical decision-making.

In response to these issues, Associate Professor Wan-Ju Yeh of the Department of Law at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) applied for funding in 2025 from the Ministry of Education’s “Legal Education Program for Schools and Communities.” In collaboration with the Tainan Real Estate and Land Law Association, the team launched the “Community Legal Education Program on Elder Rights Protection,” which received enthusiastic public support. In 2026, the program once again received approval and funding from the Ministry of Education, allowing continued collaboration with the association to further promote legal education within local communities.

This year’s program focuses on two major themes: “Medical Human Rights for Older Adults” and “Strategies for Property Protection.” Experts from various professional fields were invited to explain legal concepts in an accessible and practical manner. Topics include advance care planning, farmland inheritance, tax planning, real estate trust registration, and will preparation. The program also integrates resources from the university’s Legal Service Club and community organizations to provide legal consultation services following each event.

The first community legal education event organized by the NCKU Department of Law in 2026 was held on May 16 at the Houshi Community Activity Center in Guiren District, Tainan. Thanks to strong support and promotion from the organizers and co-organizers, the venue was nearly filled to capacity. During the first session, Dr. Wei-Chih Chen from the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, used real-life cases to explain the importance of advance care planning. In the second session, Attorney Yi-Chun Tsai from Deheng Law Firm shared practical information about farmland inheritance in a clear and relatable way. Both lectures closely addressed everyday concerns faced by community members and sparked lively discussion and interaction during the Q&A sessions.

The NCKU Department of Law stated that the event aimed to help community residents establish a proper understanding of medical autonomy and property planning in later life, enabling them to make more comprehensive and informed decisions that protect their rights and dignity. Through lectures, legal consultation services, and other outreach activities, the department also seeks to strengthen students’ and faculty members’ sense of social responsibility and service experience, while fulfilling the university’s social responsibility mission and supporting the Ministry of Education’s policy goals of encouraging universities to promote community legal education.

Three additional outreach events are planned for later this year: in June at the Hsinhua Church of the Tainan Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, in August at Anping Bread of Life Church, and in October at Yong Ai Church of the Chinese Christian Revival Association. Members of the public who are interested are warmly invited to participate.