neglected, bored and have no one to turn to, even for conversation.
What could be better than exploiting this precious commodity, viz,
time, to learn something new? This is where ‘Third Age Learning’ comes
in handy. Experts say that if the brain is kept engaged continu-ously,
one can ward off Alzheimer’s disease.
Third Age Learning, also known as Life Long Learning, occurs when an
adult (especially a senior citizen) opts to learn something new
through informal methods. The teaching methodology may take the form
of e-learning, distance education, correspondence course or any other
course accessible in the continuing education mode. The learner has no
specific desire to secure a certificate or a degree. He is just
in-terested in widening his horizon and becoming more and more
knowledgeable as long as he is alive. Even a small group of five or
six persons interested in a certain subject can choose one from the
group as guru and the guru may choose a desired topic to teach the
rest. Or this could be a regular course/unit in distance education of
a univer-sity.
Senior citizens are interested in astrology, religion, history,
languages (like Sanskrit), computer skills, conflict management,
retirement planning, investment tips, tax computation, will-writing,
handling abuse of elders, relationship management, yoga, meditation,
self-defence techniques and other useful topics. There are many who
wish to learn painting, sketching, singing (or appreciating music) and
solv-ing puzzles like cross words and sudoku.
Third Age Learning is popular abroad – in UK, USA, Singapore and
Australia. The abbreviation U3A, University of Third Age, is popular
in the West. It has taken root in India too. Cities like Allahabad,
Kalyan, Delhi and Mumbai have constituted small groups for the
pur-pose of lifelong learning and in fact there is an Indian Society
for U3A as well. In February next, they are holding an international
con-ference. Eminent persons like Tom Holloway of UK, Prof RN Kapoor
of Allahabad, Dr TM Dak of Udaipur are showing the way.
In Hy-derabad, a small beginning has been made. A series of ‘classes’
on history of ancient India is offered to a group of senior citizens
by Tom Holloway. This is conducted under the banner of the Andhra
Pradesh Senior Citizens Confederation (APSCCON). Once the members find
it engaging, more topics will be offered.
U3A programmes may be initiated by associations of senior citizens,
walkers’ clubs, Bajan Mandals and NGOs connected with senior
citi-zens. Of course distance education departments of regular and
open universities can play an important role. While they may prepare
the curriculum and course material, teaching may be left to the
‘students’ themselves!
About our brain, scientists say, ‘Use it or lose it’. U3A provides the
means to keep using our brain, always.
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