Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
The age-old idiom
“isigogo sigoqwa sisemanzi” suggests that it is easier to teach an individual new skills or their mind absorbs learning quickly while they are still young.
This saying has been debated extensively, with opinions and evidence on both sides. In Zimbabwe, where the population is aging, the relevance of this idiom has sparked considerable discussion.
Advocates of the idiom argue that age-related cognitive decline and entrenched habits make it difficult for older adults to adapt to new skills or behaviors. Dr. Thandiwe Ngwenya, a psychologist at the University of Zimbabwe, explains:
“As people age, their neural plasticity decreases. This means their brains are less able to form new connections, making it harder to learn new skills.”
However, many experts and community members challenge this perspective. A recent study by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) revealed that 65% of Zimbabweans aged 55 and above who participated in a computer literacy program reported significant improvements in their skills within six months.
This suggests that older adults are indeed capable of learning new tricks when given the opportunity and resources.
One notable example is the “Grandmothers’ Project” in rural Zimbabwe. This initiative, run by the non-profit organization Zvandiri, trains elderly women to become community health workers.
These grandmothers, some in their 70s and 80s, are taught how to use smartphones and tablets to record health data and provide telemedicine services.
The project has seen remarkable success, with many grandmothers becoming proficient in digital technology, defying the notion that they cannot learn new skills.
We spoke with John Moyo, a 68-year-old retired public servant, who believes that age is a significant barrier to learning new skills.
“I’ve tried to learn how to use a computer several times, but it just doesn’t stick. My mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be,” he admits.
Contrastingly, Gogo Patricia Nyathi, a 72-year-old participant in the Grandmothers’ Project, shares a different story.
“I never thought I would learn to use a smartphone, but now I am helping others in my village with health issues using technology. It just shows that it’s never too late to learn,” she says with pride.
Scholarly References
Research supports both sides of the debate. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that while older adults may require more time and effort to learn new skills, they are certainly capable of doing so. The study emphasizes the importance of motivation, context, and teaching methods tailored to the elderly.
In contrast, another study from the Journal of Aging and Health highlights the challenges older adults face, such as slower information processing and memory retention, which can hinder their ability to learn new skills quickly.
Thus the adage “isigogo sigoqwa sisemanzi” holds some truth, particularly in the context of cognitive decline and ingrained habits.
However, numerous examples from Zimbabwe and beyond demonstrate that with the right support and motivation, older adults can and do learn new skills, effectively debunking the idiom in many cases.
As Zimbabwe continues to develop programs to engage its aging population, it becomes increasingly clear that the potential for learning and growth remains, regardless of age.
The debate on this idiom underscores the importance of providing opportunities and support for lifelong learning in fostering an inclusive and capable society.
Zim GBC News©2024