Overcoming challenges in times of uncertainty

Mdm Kartini, 71, is a housewife and an active learner who makes it a point to set aside time to learn new things constantly. As she is socially active by nature, she was initially anxious and worried about having to stay indoors with limited social interactions when the circuit breaker first kicked in during April.

 

To cope with this, she had participated in various activities, courses and health talks by Brahm Centre, such as attending the Mindfulness @ Sunset programme every week and even signing up for an NSA online course “Mindfulness Foundation Course”. She finds that the course has been greatly beneficial in helping her to manage emotions and stay calm during this period.

 

Transition to technology

 

Although Mdm Kartini faced several issues during this period of having to use technology more intensively as a medium for communication, she is thankful that her son had helped her to set up Zoom for the online course, and even PayNow for digital transactions.

 

Despite having many queries on the various IT functions, Mdm Kartini was able to get used to it over time. She acknowledged that being able to use PayNow has made various payments easier, instead of having to physically go to make payment. QR code scanning has also become familiar for her, with SafeEntry required in most public places. Though it was a skill she had picked up some time ago during an IT course, she did not have a chance to put it to use till now.

 

“Everything that we learn, we must put it to use otherwise we may forget. As seniors, it is okay if we take our time to learn, but we shouldn’t stop learning and utilising our skills. In terms of learning technology, it may be difficult in the beginning, but we have no choice but to learn to follow the flow,” said Mdm Kartini.

 

Besides that, she is also using WhatsApp video calls to connect and bond with her family and grandchildren, a time that she values very much.

 

Exploring different interests

 

Prior to signing up for the online course, Mdm Kartini had also taken part in various NSA courses such as “Book Authoring” and “Digital Photography” by NTUC Learning Hub and “Floral Design 1” by Family Central. She is keen to be able to create her own book and short film or video, documenting her thoughts and stories.

 

Her other hobbies include brisk walking, playing chess and surfing Youtube and Facebook. Being part of a brisk walking group, she encourages her peers to take up courses as well.

 

“Many of us may be busy with everyday life, but it is still important to spend some time to enrich ourselves with knowledge,” she emphasised.

 

In the future, she looks forward to picking up more IT skills as well as brain training courses to learn more techniques of keeping the brain active.

 

*Special thanks to Mdm Kartini who accepted this interview, we wish her the best in her lifelong learning journey.

 

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