All of us are lifelong learners. Learning does not stop at any age. Even as a senior citizen we continue to learn.

A part of our learning comes from our experience and the ecosystem we live in. Rest of it comes from our formal education, books, media etc. Here, there is an immense joy. A positive attitude towards learning is the key for this joy. We all have to put an earnest effort to make our learning fruitful.

During my childhood days, apart from formal education, we had only books, newspapers and radio. Then came TV as the media of information and entertainment. Nowadays, in digital era, multimedia plays an important role in lifelong learning. Multimedia has a variety of tools, of which internet has huge stake. We often come across statements like “Visit our site www.foragoodstart.in for more information”. Without the knowledge of computer and internet usage, one may feel handicapped, especially those lifelong learners with an inquisitive mind. Till recently, I was one among them.

I got the opportunity to attend the first batch of Digital Me! course of For A Good Start. The course was tailored to the taste and need of me and my three colleagues. During the sessions, we found that the applications of computer are vast and useful. Even senior citizens can learn some of the useful applications easily. All we need is a positive attitude and consistency in learning. Computer learning is interesting and it will boost our satisfaction and self-confidence.

Also, I would call the class as our first step in to the world wide web of immense possibilities. “70-year-old me can delve deep in to internet like my 7-year-old grandson”. It may be a little too much of a claim. But, I have a few learning of my own through internet.

• Mother nature with its plants, birds, animals and fish. Its mountains, seas, rivers, deserts and forests.
• Life & birth of Universe from a big bang, 13.5 billion years back to a current 16 billion light years wide universe which is further expanding with time. Its numerous galaxies, stars, planets and other celestial wonders.
• What made the man “the crown of all creations” with his discovery of many a natural phenomenon and his technological advances?

The answer to the third point worth a mention. The collective learning of mankind and its capability to document the learning for the future generations made the man different from other living beings, not just his superior intelligence. Hence, I have a valid point to make. We all need to be lifelong learners, it will aid the future of our generations in one way or another. If the learning is codified, it is even better. Prehistoric pictures of cave men, folk lore, stone edicts, papyrus scripts, books were codified learning of the past. Now, we have digitally preserved information also as artifacts of collective learning.

Internet can kindle the spark of goodness in us, increase our thirst for further knowledge and give freedom to access unlimited information. At the same time, if not used judiciously, our actions can cause harm to us as well as our society.

And, my two paisa worth to senior citizens – We can make our life joyful and relaxing by observing nature and learning new stuff with an open mind. We must also be thankful to God for keeping us safe and peaceful in the present world.

As an afterword, I would like to mention “Books are my all-time favorite. Reading books will always remain as my first and foremost source of joyous learning.

– Mariamma PO

Author is a retired assistant accounts officer from AG’s Office. She had a brief stint in teaching at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulum and MGM High School Pampady in late sixties. She spends her time in teaching her grandchildren Malayalam, social work and church activities.

She is mother of Salil, mother-in-law of Shalini and the main patron of For A Good Start.

PS.

Digital Me! course material is free and can be accessed from our website.