Goldies' Computer Camp 2011

Just attended the computer camp for the Goldies. The oldest participant was 80 years old! This is an annual event sponsored by the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology. Other NGOs put in their time as organisers and facilitators.

This year there were 2 tracks, Open Source and Internet and You. I attended the Open Source as I did not know what it is. There were two speakers who introduced the topic to us and now I know what open source is.

It was a very interesting one and a half day event as the second half of the second day was given over to the closing ceremony officiated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah who is also the minister in charge of the ministry that provided the funds for this camp. All attendees were presented with certificates of attendance and the winners received prizes for their winning projects.

Interestingly enough, the topics selected by the goldies centered on health and fitness. Clearly we are all anxious about our health.

During the breaks, tea breaks and lunch breaks, the goldies contributed nuggets of “gold”.

Some interesting ones:
“Invest in gold. It’s more solid. Don’t waste time on Fixed deposits because inflation is eroding the value of your money.”

“ Eat more ginger, old ginger and turmeric ( a type of yellow ginger ). They contain anti-oxidants and area natural and organic if you grow your own.”

“Be careful, there are many con men and women out there who prey on elderly people. Do not carry a handbag. Just have a small sum of money sufficient for your purchases in your pocket.”
She went on to share her experience of how she was nearly cheated.

“ Drink more guava juice, the natural kind, without preservatives. Don’t buy those that come in packs. They are only sugar water. I lost weight drinking guava juice. It has a lot of vitamin C and anti-oxidants.”

“Exercise every morning.”

“Join the laughter club. It’s good for you. Laughing produces endorphins which make you feel good.”

“Destress. Breathe deeply and visualize, using your 5 senses.”

There were more. It goes to show that senior citizens are full of experience and eager to share their knowledge with new found friends and old friends. Everyone put in effort to complete their assignments and presented them to the class. Over all it was a very enjoyable and fruitful weekend.