Core Points - The well-known calligraphy training institution "Youmo Calligraphy" in Qingdao has suddenly closed multiple campuses, leaving students and parents in distress as the management has gone missing [1][2][3] - Parents report that they had paid significant fees for courses that were abruptly halted, with some students only attending one class out of a total of 48 [2][3] - The institution had previously engaged in promotional activities, encouraging parents to renew courses, which has led to concerns about the potential loss of prepaid tuition fees [3][4] Summary by Sections Closure of "Youmo Calligraphy" - "Youmo Calligraphy" has closed several campuses unexpectedly, with reports of empty classrooms and missing teaching materials [2][3] - Parents are expressing disbelief and frustration over the sudden closure of such a large institution [2][3] Promotional Activities Before Closure - In the months leading up to the closure, "Youmo Calligraphy" conducted promotional campaigns, including a "618" discount event, which encouraged parents to pay for future classes [3] - The institution's operational entity, Qingdao Zhen Shui Tang Education Consulting Co., Ltd., changed its legal representative to someone with restricted high consumption, raising red flags about its financial health [3] Response from Authorities - The local education department is actively involved in addressing the situation, aiming to facilitate the resumption of classes for affected students [5][6] - Proposed solutions include allowing former teachers to continue teaching at the original locations, seeking new investments to resume operations, or transferring students to other training institutions [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of emotional consumption among the elderly population in China, particularly focusing on online interest education as a growing market segment driven by the increasing number of retirees and their willingness to spend on personal development and hobbies [1][10][11]. Group 1: Market Overview - The elderly population in China exceeds 200 million, with a significant portion engaging in online learning, particularly women who make up 64% of this demographic [3][14]. - The average disposable income for this group is approximately 5,119.6 yuan per month, indicating a strong purchasing power for educational services [14]. - The online education market for the elderly is projected to grow at a rate of 34% annually, with the market size expected to increase from 28 billion yuan in 2022 to 120.9 billion yuan by 2027 [21]. Group 2: Investment and Capital Influx - Major investments from companies like Tencent and various venture capital firms have entered the silver education sector, attracted by the potential of the aging population and the relatively untapped market for online education [10][24]. - The emergence of a "new silver generation" of retirees, characterized by their wealth and leisure time, presents a significant opportunity for businesses targeting this demographic [11][13]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Preferences - Many elderly individuals are pursuing online courses to fulfill lifelong dreams and interests, with platforms offering a variety of subjects from music to yoga [5][6]. - The preference for online learning is driven by the convenience of recorded classes, allowing for repeated viewing and better retention of information [6][8]. - Emotional support and social interaction are also key factors, as many elderly learners find companionship and purpose through these online classes [8][10]. Group 4: Challenges and Industry Standards - Despite the growth, there are concerns regarding the quality and pricing of online courses, with some elderly consumers facing high costs and potential scams [29][30]. - Experts suggest the need for industry standards and regulations to ensure the quality of services and protect consumers from misleading practices [28][30].