By Mustafa Shafawi, Channel NewsAsia |
Posted: 03 February 2010 1419 hrs
SINGAPORE: According to a survey commissioned by the
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, older
Singaporeans are on the hunt for new skills and new sources of
knowledge, even more so than before.
More than half of them are keen on taking up courses and for a
variety of reasons - from keeping their minds active and staying
connected with the world, to being able to better engage with their
children and grandchildren.
A fifth of the respondents had either participated or planned to
participate in career and non-career related training
courses.
The study was conducted by Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser, a
National University of Singapore sociologist, and focused on the
learning needs of those aged 40 to 74.
Associate Professor Tan said the study will help in indicating how
to best keep seniors mentally agile, socially engaged, physically
active, and vocationally relevant.
This would contribute towards making their post-retirement years
truly golden, he said.
The survey also pointed to current learning gaps that educational
institutions need to bridge in order to best cater to the
segment.
Apart from convenience, accessibility, affordability and practical
content, seniors are most comfortable learning from peers, and
hands-on learning is also ranked highly.
- CNA/sc
