LIFE-LONG LEARNING = LONG LIFE BONUS

Albert Einstein wasn't the only advocate of life-long learning. So were Henry Ford and Mahatma Gandhi. These great men died at 76, 83 and 78 respectively - proof that when we stimulate our brain cells by picking up new skills, new experiences and new knowledge, we could extend our life span and keep Alzheimer's at bay.

Higher institutions of learning around the world are reporting an increase in intake from older students. In Malaysia, open universities are offering discounts as high as 75% off course fees to senior citizens born in or before 1957. Life-long learning centres catering specially to older students are mushrooming. In Singapore there is YAH Community College for the young-at-heart, while in Malaysia there is the University of Third Age (U3A). I have completed three semesters at U3A and am looking forward to starting my fourth semester there in September.

From Online Colleges.

Online courses are fast becoming the preferred choice of getting an academic degree for many senior citizens, especially for those who are housebound. Having missed out on an opportunity to further their studies during their youth, these seniors are signing up for courses that would offer them better job prospects. Others view retirement as the best time to go back to school and fulfill their academic goals. For more about this phenomenon, click here to read the article, and do follow the links.

Whatever the reasons, there is a worldwide surge in the number of older students. Unlike employment, there is no upper age limit for admission. The oldest graduate in the world is Chao Mu-he from Taiwan. He was 96 when he received a Masters in Philosophy in 2009. The oldest elementary school student is Ma XiuXian, 102, from China.

As for me, getting a Masters in Gerontology is on my bucket list. The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) offers the course, but at fees that are beyond my budget. I am inspired by Chao Mu-He and others like him. If he can do it at the age of 96, well, there is hope for me yet. After all, I am only a young 64!

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REDISCOVERING THE JOY OF LEARNING

It's been three weeks since the first semester started at the University of Third Age (U3A), Malaysia - a non-academic 'university' for older adults aged 50 and above. My friends and I are enjoying all the classes we have signed up for. Not only are we learning new skills, but also making new friends.

Here's a pictorial account of the classes I've attended so far.

(Above): At the beginners' swimming class. Instructor Syaizalah Kamarudin taught us the correct breathing techniques, as well as how to float and move forward in the water. It must have been quite a challenge for him to teach a group of seniors many of whom had never stepped into a pool before. By the end of the second class, he had built up our confidence, and we are now well on our way to becoming water babies!

(Above): Instructor George Wong showing us how to take good photos. There's so much more to photography than just point and shoot. He took us through all the features in our digital camera and shared useful tips on what to look for when buying a camera. Next week we shall be going on a field trip to apply what we have learned in our photography classes. It should be loads of fun.

(Above): Nutritionist Dr Rosita Jamaluddin's class on healthy cooking is another much-in-demand course. It is easy to see why. Not only did we learn better methods of food preparation, we got to taste all the dishes at the end of the class. There was also much camaraderie during the two and a half hours of hands-on cooking session.

(Above): Sabariah, Catherine and SP giving the thumbs up for their dish of Nasi Hijau Iran or Iranian Green Rice - an exotic alternative to plain white rice, and definitely much more nutritious and tasty.

(Above): A healthier version of the much-loved nasi lemak using a mix of brown and white rice. The sambal is cooked with less oil and sugar. The side dishes of kangkong, cucumber, eggs, nuts and fried anchovies make this a balanced meal that's easy and fast to prepare.

According to Dr Rosita, healthy cooking is all about reducing the fat, sugar, salt and oil in your cooking and opting for healthier alternatives like brown rice for white rice, yoghurt for coconut milk and lime juice for mayonnaise. You can still enjoy your favourite dishes without worrying too much about your cholesterol or blood sugar levels. Think of the long-term health benefits for your family when you switch to healthy cooking.

(Above): Dr Rosita demonstrates how to toss salad without leaving half of it outside the bowl! Commercial salad dressing is packed with calories. So if you don't want to pile on the pounds, try making your own dressing.

(Above): The groups take turns to share healthy cooking tips about their dish. After the presentations, it's chow time with everyone tucking into the healthy spread. A virtual feast for the eyes and tummy!

I can't wait for my Traditional Chinese Medicine class to start in July. My friends are absolutely delighted with their Mandarin class and ICT class. I've also heard positive feedback from those taking home gardening, oil painting and seal engraving. There are 39 courses offered for the first and second semester which begins in September. The instructors are either highly qualified academicians, or industry experts with years of experience.

There are two classes for Basic Computing and the Internet to cater to the large number of seniors eager to learn how to use the computer, and how to access the internet.

At this stage of our lives, we have the freedom to select courses that appeal to us. There are no academic qualifications required for registration. There are no exams or assignments, so there's no stress or pressure. As life-long students, we are highly motivated. We have to be to drive all that distance to UPM Serdang just to attend a 2-hour class. But what does that matter when we are having fun rediscovering the joy of meaningful learning, of acquiring new skills and knowledge that we can put to good use.

If you are interested to register for any of these classes or just want to find out more, visit the U3A website at http://u3amalaysia.wordpress.com/ or email seniorsaloud@gmail.com.

Related article:

A University For Senior Students

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A UNIVERSITY FOR SENIOR STUDENTS

The Sunday Star 19 August 2007

Did you know there is a university that caters exclusively to senior citizens aged 50 or above right here in Kuala Lumpur? No? Well, you are not the only one. Up till last week, I had no idea that the only University of the Third Age (U3A) in the region is located right here in KL, in University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

I am familiar with U3A, UK, having written about it in a March 2009 post "Never too old to be a lifelong learner". (Do read it - lots of resources for seniors interested in lifelong learning.) As a strong advocate of LLL , you can imagine how excited I was to receive an invitation to U3A Malaysia's Orientation Day last Saturday.

A bit of background info on U3A Malaysia (U3AM):  It started in 2007 as a pilot program known as the Lifelong Learning Initiative for the Elderly (LLIFE) initiated by the Director of the Institute of Gerontology, Professor Dr. Tengku Aizan Hamid. The encouraging response from senior citizens resulted in the setting up of U3A Malaysia a year later. The project is supported by the Government of Malaysia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Currently U3AM offers 39 non-academic courses covering a wide range of subjects including languages, art and craft, gardening, healthy cooking, swimming, traditional Chinese medicine, fitness, computing and digital photography. There are two semesters of three months each. Participants can sign up for any 1-3 courses per semester for a fee of only Rm80. Each additional course is an extra Rm30. Instructors are either members of the teaching staff of UPM, or industry experts with a wealth of experience.
(Pic: Prof Tengku Aizan)

This is one government-backed program that deserves two thumbs-up, and Prof Tengku Aizan should be given a standing ovation for all her hard work in getting the project off the ground. U3A (KL and Selangor) has recently been registered with the ROS. A small but dedicated committee of volunteers led by its president, Mr Azlan Hussain, is helping to run the program.

President of U3A KL and Selangor, Mr Azlan Hussain

The first course commences on 16 May. If you are keen to sign up, you can download the registration form from the website. For more details on courses and schedule, please visit the website at http://u3amalaysia.wordpress.com/

Here's a pictorial account of U3AM's Orientation Day at the Institute of Gerontology, UPM.

Seniors eager to sign up for U3A membership and register for the courses.

A section of the attendees listening to the briefing by Senior Research Officer and U3AM course coordinator, Mr Chai Sen Tyng.

One of the U3AM posters on display.

 There's even a graduation ceremony upon completion of the two semesters. Click on the image to enlarge.

For semester one, I've signed up for Swimming, Healthy Cooking, Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Basic Digital Photography and Adult Development & Ageing (free core course) all for the incredibly affordable fee of Rm110!

The only downside of U3A Malaysia is the distance. All courses are held at UPM which is a good 20-minute drive from the city. But for those living in the vicinity or near a KTM station, this shouldn't be an issue.

As the website says, "What are you waiting for? Come join us on the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, have fun and make new friends along the way!"

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SENIORS ARE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AGAIN

I am a big advocate of lifelong learning. It doesn't matter whether it's for the paper qualifications or just for the fun of learning something new. I get all excited whenever I meet like-minded retirees. There's instant bonding.

That's exactly what happened last Sunday. I was at Wawasan Open University's Orientation Day for new students. There I met Monica Khoo, 68, a retired nurse and grandmother of five. She had just enrolled for a certificate course in Business Management, and is one of several retirees currently studying at WOU.

"I always like to try new things. It helps to activate the brain cells. Of course, there's that feeling of anxiety. Will I be able to cope with the challenges of open distance learning? It's so alien to me. But I am excited too, and definitely looking forward to my first tutorial next Sunday."

At WOU KL branch with Regional Office Director Mr Kuppusamy Chellappan, Acting Asst Manager Ms Janet Khaw (in blue) and Adm Assistant Esther (in green).

If you are seriously considering further studies, you might want to check out Wawasan Open University (WOU). You can choose from certificate to postgraduate courses. There's no maximun age limit. Entry requirements are flexible. Fees are really affordable as students aged 60 and above get a 50% discount. Other plus points: the medium of instruction is English, and the student population is truly multi-ethnic. Oh, did I also mention well-qualified and experienced tutors like Mr Fan Kok Keong below? He's an inspiration to both students and tutors.

Advice from tutor Fan Kok Keong in WOU's newsletter (click on image to enlarge).

By the way, WOU is not paying me a cent to promote it. I'm merely stating what is. Check out the website to find out more. It's still not too late to register and get that degree you missed out on when you were busy building a career or raising a family. The new semester starts next week. There are two intakes a year, in January and July.

Cultural diversity enriches the learning experience for all students

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NEVER TOO OLD TO BE A LIFELONG LEARNER

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