Passion spurs her learning journey

Ms Keka Sinha , 67, has always been interested in art since young. However, it wasn’t until her retirement that she started to delve more into it and develop her interest.
 
She trained as a museum docent, and during the past two to three years, she had signed up for several NSA courses such as “Watercolour Painting 1, 2, and 3” by LASALLE College of the Arts, “The Art of Colour Pencil Drawing 1” and “Preventing Fall and Dementia Through Music & Movement” by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
 
Not deterred by shift to online courses
 
Besides art, Ms Sinha has also explored other NSA courses like the Mindfulness Foundation course by Brahm Centre. She had originally signed up for this course as a physically-run course earlier this year, but continued with it online when it was conducted on the digital platform due to the COVID-19 situation.
 
She said, “This was an opportunity to experience a new communication platform like Zoom. And I enjoyed being able to interact with other participants online, during the course itself.”
 
“During this COVID-19 period, it may be difficult to run courses for groups on-site. So far, I have managed alright in terms of technology and online programmes. But I am very glad to hear about the recent initiatives to help seniors adapt to the digital world, as this can be challenging,” she added.
 
Maintaining a balance in life
 
Attending the mindfulness course has allowed Ms Keka to put into practice mindfulness techniques in her daily life, which helps to complement other aspects of her life such as reading and taking walks.
 
“It is important to engage in a variety of activities to keep physically and mentally active, and have a balance in life. Keeping in touch with family and friends, and not feeling socially isolated, is also very important,” said Ms Sinha.
 
She looks forward to the resumption of physical courses and activities, but till then, she is making good use of the Internet as her source of information and online activities, and continues her learning journey in her other areas of interest, like literature, music and philosophy.
 
*Special thanks to Ms Keka Sinha who accepted this interview, we wish her the best in her lifelong learning journey.
 
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