Age-no-bar course

 Leela Thomas,79, a housewife who lives close to the Sacred Heart College, Thevara, used to walk into the campus whenever there were programmes for the public, and sometimes, just for a walk. However, while strolling on the campus, hardly did she imagine that one day she would become a student in that college. Now, enrolled as a first-batch student of the age-friendly course, she is having a good time in the college.

“I had done my graduation at St. Berchman’s College, Changanacherry. After that I got married to an army officer and had five children. I came to know about this course through newspaper. Since the college is very close to my home, I thought of giving it a try. Also, I like campuses. Only one day’s class is over. The next class would begin in June,” says Leela, who is on a vacation with her children and grandchildren.

The age-friendly course, a first-of-its-kind in the state, is an initiative by the college in association with Lakeshore Hospital and NGO Magics to bridge the gap between the elderly and the latest technologies. People above 60 have taken up the course. Classes will be taken by first-year students of the college on basics of computer and smart phone. “It was the geriatric department of the hospital that put forward this idea. We happily implemented it. It gives students some quality time,” says Dr Fr. Prasant Palakkappillil, Principal, S.H. College.

According to K. Thangal Kunju, a retired employee of the Cochin Port Trust who hails from Willington Island, he had a great time with the children. “I joined the course because I felt it was beneficial for the elderly,” he says. “It is a good way for elders to stay active post retirement. We are plunging into a new world of knowledge and I am sure it would be very helpful for us,” he adds.

“Nowadays, even babies know about operating computer and all. Also, everything is done online now. Elders too have to rise up to the occasion,” says Leela. The class started in the first week of March. How was their first day in college? “It was good. My good old college days flashed in my mind. The basics of computer were taught, followed by an interaction. After reviewing the module, we suggested some changes like adding net banking and online application, which would be very beneficial,” says Thangal.

“All teachers were good and well-behaved. They taught us turning on and shutting down the computer on first day,” says Leela. Students too feel the same. “I find this a lucky opportunity. At home, even we make fun of elders for lacking the technical know-how. This initiative would help them get acquainted with technology,” says Aman, a first-year student. Merry Antony, another volunteer of the project concurs, “Having knowledge of technologies would boost their confidence. Also, it is an opportunity for students to spent joyous time with elders. It is like a give and take. We both share our goodness with each other," she says.

Prior to the class, the elderly people and the volunteers went out on short trips. “We took them to Lulu Mall. One get-together was within the campus,” says Merry. “That was like an ice-breaking session. It was a good move because when classes began, we were familiar with all of them,” says Amen.

Did the students face any difficulties while teaching the new students? “We had expected some, but since we had a good rapport with them, explaining things to them was easy,” say Merry. “They were very happy and active and were curious to know about social media. Most of them wanted to learn about Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook so that they can chat with their children and grandchildren,” says Amen, who is eagerly waiting to meet his young old students in June.