Zhang Guohuan (Right), 88 years old, is awarded with the bachelor degree by Jiangsu Open University in Nanjing, October 21, 2016. [Photo: yangtse.com]

Zhang Guohuan (Right), 88 years old, poses for a picture as he receives his bachelor degree from Jiangsu Open University in Nanjing, October 21, 2016. [Photo: yangtse.com]

Two seniors in their 80s have graduated from east China's Jiangsu Open University, the first batch to receive their bachelor degrees as part of a program of continuing education for the elderly in China, the Yangtse Evening Post reported on Friday.

Zhang Guohuan and Xu Hesheng, 88 and 86, both gained a degree in Culture Industry Management from Jiangsu Open University on October 21. They become the oldest college graduates to receive a bachelor degree in China.

Along with Zhang and Xu, 17 others with the same major also graduated from the university, which has enrolled 196 elderly people since April 2014.

Zhang noted excitedly that the bachelor degree is recognition of his love for learning and his commitment to lifelong learning.

During their time at the university, the senior students also learned how to use computers, smart phones and distance education systems. Zhang said that he got a lot of pleasure from studying at the university, and from being able to lead a modern life.