The school is part of a visionary project by the Sports and Management Research Institute, providing learning opportunities and a nurturing environment to senior citizens.
A session on breathing exercise at the School of Seniors. (George Michael/South First)
The masquerade masks were out when pink became the new black in this classroom.
The students sat earnestly, most of them clad in pink — the nurturing, playful, and nostalgic colour. It is also the hue of opposites, of innocence and burning passion.
Innocence and passion were on display as the German class began at die schule, or school. Students sat with rapt attention as the tutor introduced them to the language.
It was just the beginning for the 30-odd students in their second childhood at the School of Seniors at Kochi in Kerala.
The classroom was part of a visionary project by the Sports and Management Research Institute (SMRI), providing learning opportunities and a nurturing environment to individuals aged 60 and above.
“Many people over 60 have physical and cognitive problems. The ‘School of Seniors’ is a programme designed to free them of these issues as they will be involved in creative and adventurous curricular and non-curricular activities,” programme director BT Sijin gave an introduction. He is also the director of SMRI.
Kerala has a unique issue. Over the past 60 years, its population of 60-plus citizens have shot up to 16.5 percent of the total from 5.1 percent. Social and educational isolations are two issues that the ageing population faces in the state.
Hibi Eden lighting a lamp at the inauguration of the School of Seniors in Kochi. (George Michael/South First)
The school is an attempt a transformative journey to overcome these issues. The school will initially be based at the House of Providence, an old-age home in Ernakulam. As many as 55 students have enrolled in the programme.
The school aims to set up a dedicated campus to expand its operations in future.
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden inaugurated the programme even as the first batch of students waited for the activities in store for them.
Eden spoke on the importance of such an initiative. “Sijin came to me with this proposal a few months ago while I was attending another event in Ernakulam,” he recalled on Monday, 26 June.
“I remember him pitching this idea about a dedicated programme to enhance the living standards of senior citizens with a few games and lessons which will put them back in their academic pursuit,” the lawmaker said.
“Ah, bay, tsay, day…,” a student sang the German alphabet, proudly displaying his knowledge. Others encouraged him.
A student singing German alphabet. (George Michael/South First)
The school offers a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from languages to arts, science, and games. Students have the opportunity to delve into their areas of interest and discover new passions. Taught by expert teachers, the classes ensure high-quality instruction and an engaging learning experience.
The inaugural event had a small session in the German language. Language professionals from the Winspire Language Academy handled the class.
The session was interactive and fun-filled as the students learnt the German alphabet using action songs.
Another session was on coping with rising anxiety and breathing problems. Jothis Menon, a holistic health coach and director of Inner Delight Health Centre, handled the session.
South First caught up with Sijin. “Learning a new language does wonders in retaining memory. It’s a sure way to help the people re-establish the learning capacity of the mind,” he said.
Sijin delved deeper into the specifics of the programme. He explained how hand-eye coordination is also an important skill to be re-learnt at this age.
“We have games and extracurricular activities planned which improve their hand-eye coordination. The activities planned are all scientifically backed by our team of physical health experts at SMRI,” he said.
The school draws inspiration from the SMRI-developed “Proteen” anti-ageing intervention programme. By integrating principles of healthy ageing, the programme aims at raising the living standards of the elderly.
Sports management and sports psychology experts Sijin, Mridula B Pai, and Nimra Zakir Hussain have designed the curriculum.
Those at Providence were overjoyed with the introduction of such a programme in their otherwise mundane daily life.
A session on breathing exercise at the School of Seniors. (George Michael/South First)
“It takes me back in time. Learning a new language was something which I thought I would never do at this age. We are learning the alphabet using nursery rhymes,” Joseph T, 73, gushed. It certainly is a great initiative and fun for us here. Hope this continues,” he did not hide his excitement as he spoke to South First.
To foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging, the school has introduced a uniform dress code for its students. It has plans to start a school bus service.
“These elements aim to create a structured and organised learning environment, promoting a sense of community among the elderly students. What we are aiming for is a complete classroom experience. All these added together will greatly benefit them,” Nimra Zakir Hussain told South First.
The school has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the elderly. By providing a diverse curriculum, expert guidance, and practical experiences, the school aims at transforming the lives of its students, promoting lifelong learning, social engagement, and a vibrant community life for the seniors.
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