Lifelong learning helps mother-daughter duo stay active

The idea of lifelong learning is deeply ingrained in the lives of Mdm Ann Liew, 62 and her mother Mdm Tan Moh Kiat, 94, as the mother-daughter duo is constantly finding new things to learn. Mdm Liew currently works full-time operating a stall in a school canteen, but still manages to fork out time to engage in learning regularly.

 

She came to know of the National Silver Academy (NSA) through her group of friends and signed up for the NSA course “认识中药材功能与食疗促進健康体质 (Understanding Chinese Herbs)” in February 2021, which has provided her much knowledge in the selection of Chinese herbs that is useful in daily life. 

 

Taking the initiative to learn

 

Mdm Liew’s mother, Mdm Tan, is also an avid learner despite her age. Mdm Tan is generally very keen to learn and has been taking up various IT courses over the years, such as basic computer, English and iPad. She uses the iPad to surf the internet for news, listen to music and play games.

 

In fact, Mdm Tan took the initiative to sign up for the NSA course “大脑训练方法 (Train Your Brain to Concentrate & Focus)” with her daughter in March 2021 so that she can pick up tips to keep her mind active. The course was conducted by Rotary Learning Institute, one of the partners under NSA.

 

Both of them found the course to be useful and interesting, especially with the practical activities and exercises incorporated into the course. Mdm Tan even asked her grandchildren to do the exercises with her to see if they were able to do them.

 

Importance of finding interests to keep engaged

 

As Mdm Tan used to be a tailor and is skilled in tailoring techniques, she tries to share her experience with her community group of friends, so as to pass on traditional sewing techniques that are hardly seen nowadays. At the same time, she wants to learn about new sewing techniques as part of improving and upgrading her skills.

 

Both Mdm Tan and Mdm Liew are very involved in their crafts and spend time attending new courses. Currently, Mdm Liew is attending a massage course during the weekend in hopes of putting those skills to good use to improve her wellness levels. She is also interested in to pick up new knowledge on smartphone, baking and cooking.

 

She shares, “Many of my peers are afraid to learn because of the fear that they would not be able to keep up with the rest of the class. But I would say just go for it as every learning opportunity gives us a chance to better ourselves.”

 

“Lifelong learning is important because it helps keep me and my mother mentally and physically active, and allows us to enjoy the things that we like doing,” says Mdm Liew.

 

**Special thanks to Mdm Ann Liew who accepted our interview, we wish her and Mdm Tan all the very best in their lifelong learning journey.