By AP
NEW YORK - FACEBOOK is joining forces with a national parent-teachers' association to promote Internet safety through a set of tools and resources for kids, schools and parents.
The world's largest online social network and the National PTA will work together to build a program to provide information and support about such issues as cyberbullying, good online citizenship and Internet security.
Because the partnership is just starting, officials do not have much detail on what kinds of resources they plan to offer through their respective websites and through other means. But Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said the plan is not just to educate kids about being on Facebook, but about being online.
He said 'the sooner we can get instilling responsible behaviour, the better.' The PTA will reach out to local parent-teacher groups to promote the program, while Facebook plans to do the same on its site.
Anne Collier, co-director of Connectsafely.org, a forum about online safety issues, said the deal combining Facebook's broad reach and the PTA's relationship with schools and parents 'makes a lot of sense.' 'Citizenship online and offline needs to be a part of the child's life,' she said. 'It needs to be taught at school and at home - it's not just a digital thing.'
Child safety advocate Parry Aftab also welcomed the program, and said it's important for parents not to be scared of technology but to use it to their advantage to communicate with their kids. 'It's not about turning it off any more, it's not about scare tactics,' Aftab said. 'It's all about teaching our kids the skills they need to survive in this digital world.'
Monday, June 14, 2010
Social Networking Popular - ST Online - 11 June 2010
By REUTERS
NEW YORK - SOCIAL networking isn't only for the under 40s. More than 25 per cent of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to new research.
And nearly half of older adults, aged 50 to 64, say they are savvy about the Internet.
'The latest data tells us that more and more, social networking is becoming a part of everyday life for Americans 50 plus, and boomers in particular,' said Kevin Donnellan, the chief communications officer at AARP, which released the report.
The powerful lobbying group for older Americans said Facebook is by far the most popular networking site, followed by MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Nearly a quarter of older Americans are on Facebook and 73 per cent said they use it to stay in touch with relatives, but not just their children and grandchildren.
'They are using the Internet to keep up with the world and the people who are important to them,' said Jean Koppen, the author of the report.
NEW YORK - SOCIAL networking isn't only for the under 40s. More than 25 per cent of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to new research.
And nearly half of older adults, aged 50 to 64, say they are savvy about the Internet.
'The latest data tells us that more and more, social networking is becoming a part of everyday life for Americans 50 plus, and boomers in particular,' said Kevin Donnellan, the chief communications officer at AARP, which released the report.
The powerful lobbying group for older Americans said Facebook is by far the most popular networking site, followed by MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Nearly a quarter of older Americans are on Facebook and 73 per cent said they use it to stay in touch with relatives, but not just their children and grandchildren.
'They are using the Internet to keep up with the world and the people who are important to them,' said Jean Koppen, the author of the report.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
NTUC to give out $1.5m in vouchers - TODAYonline - 7th June 2010
By HOE YEEN NIE
SINGAPORE - NTUC is giving out $1.5 million in vouchers to union members and their families under its U Stretch scheme this year.
Each family will get $30 worth of discounts on groceries, healthcare and eldercare services. During the recession last year, each family received $80 worth of vouchers, but NTUC said more help may be given depending on the members' needs.
Applications, which close on June 21, are open to households earning $1,800 or below per month or up to $500 per family member.
About 50,000 households are expected to benefit.
NTUC also organised a carnival yesterday, where about 120 members and their families attempted to break the Singapore record for the most people playing Twister.
The carnival is the first of six lined up for the next 12 months.
The carnivals and the U Stretch scheme come under the NTUC's U Care Fund, which has raised $6.4 million out of its $10 million target this year.
SINGAPORE - NTUC is giving out $1.5 million in vouchers to union members and their families under its U Stretch scheme this year.
Each family will get $30 worth of discounts on groceries, healthcare and eldercare services. During the recession last year, each family received $80 worth of vouchers, but NTUC said more help may be given depending on the members' needs.
Applications, which close on June 21, are open to households earning $1,800 or below per month or up to $500 per family member.
About 50,000 households are expected to benefit.
NTUC also organised a carnival yesterday, where about 120 members and their families attempted to break the Singapore record for the most people playing Twister.
The carnival is the first of six lined up for the next 12 months.
The carnivals and the U Stretch scheme come under the NTUC's U Care Fund, which has raised $6.4 million out of its $10 million target this year.
More tuition centres turn high-tech - TODAYonline - 7th June 2010
By EVELYN LAM
SINGAPORE - More tuition centres have adopted high technology as part of their educational aids.
One such centre, A Tick for That!, spent $50,000 to incorporate the iPod Touch as one of its teaching aids.
Students who sign up for a six-month course will be provided with an iPod Touch pre-loaded with their school homework and past-year exam papers - doing away with students having to lug heavy 10-year-series books, worksheets and textbooks.
Another tuition centre, Voice Works Learning Centre, also relies on computers as educational aids. The centre said students find it easier to retain information when computers are used.
SINGAPORE - More tuition centres have adopted high technology as part of their educational aids.
One such centre, A Tick for That!, spent $50,000 to incorporate the iPod Touch as one of its teaching aids.
Students who sign up for a six-month course will be provided with an iPod Touch pre-loaded with their school homework and past-year exam papers - doing away with students having to lug heavy 10-year-series books, worksheets and textbooks.
Another tuition centre, Voice Works Learning Centre, also relies on computers as educational aids. The centre said students find it easier to retain information when computers are used.
Starting life over at 60 - TODAYonline - 7th June 2010
Setting up a retail business is an achievable dream, whether you're 17 or 70
By CHAN SEET FUN
Retired banker T S Soh, 60, has been working as a kitchen helper, a waiter and at the counter of cafes.
"I believe that there are opportunities in F&B. Everybody needs to eat but not anyone has time to cook. So, I want to have my own F&B business," said Soh, who retired in 2008, after more than 30 years in banking.
"I've tried to get a job but when they learnt about my age, they said 'so sorry' and they don't interview me. But I believe that you have to be adaptable. So, I will start something on my own."
With his business ownership dream in mind, he switched gears and went from managing a team at a bank branch to starting from scratch in the food and beverage industry. If that meant making tea and coffee, he was prepared to do it.
"I wanted to learn about the business, from the very basics. I wanted to find out first-hand what problems are faced by the staff and by the owners," he said.
Now, with two years of F&B experience under his belt, he is adept at making cappuccinos, sandwiches and pastries from frozen dough. Not only that, he is also "familiar with NEA (National Environment Agency) requirements".
And while he was chalking up valuable hands-on experience, he also went back to school. Last November, he earned a Certificate in Retail Studies from the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS). Last month, he completed SIRS' new "Set Up A Retail Business" course.
"I wanted to see what I could learn before actually setting up my business," he said. "I was the oldest participant in the class. But that's fine. I was there to learn. I should not have to feel inferior."
He added that the course was well worth attending. "Some of the things they taught us hadn't even crossed my mind. There are so many things to consider when starting a business. I've also learned how to do a business plan. This is important, especially if you need financial help. You can use it to present your case. It was a detailed and practical course. I would recommend it. It's short but you learn a lot in that short time.
And with the 90 per cent subsidy from the Workforce Development Authority, I only paid $16.05," he said.
Soh is now on the lookout for a suitable location and hopes to get his business up and running within the next six months. For day-to-day support at his F&B outlet, he will look to his friends and family.
And once things find their rhythm, he might even go into consulting, drawing on his experience as a business owner, and his years in banking, to teach others about becoming their own bosses.
He said: "Some of my ex-colleagues ventured into business without any business experience and without taking any courses first. They just tried. And if they failed, they closed shop. But I am more cautious. I want to look carefully before plunging in. Money is not easy to earn."
Learning about the retail business
A new course on setting up retail businesses has piqued the interest of the members of the Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully (WINGS).
Said WINGS programme executive, May Tan: "The response has been very good. We publicised this course, which is offered as part of our skills programme, in our weekly newsletter and within 10 days of sending out the email blast, all 24 spots were filled. There is a waiting list now."
She added that if the list grows, WINGS will talk to the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS), which runs the course, about organising subsequent intakes for WINGS.
SIRS introduced the course in April this year. Said the institute's manager of business development, Megan Ong: "The response has been tremendous. We've conducted more than 10 intakes since and a good number of participants have been seniors."
She added: "On the whole, the age of our trainees ranges from 17 to 70 and there has always been a fair proportion of mature trainees. Some courses, such as 'Sell Products & Services', are popular with seniors as the skills and certification acquired helps them work as promoters or in freelance sales positions.
We have also seen that this group is interested in the 'Set Up A Retail Business' course. Some of them have retired and are ready to pursue a second career as a business owner."
The "Set Up A Retail Business" course provides insights and tools that will help participants in setting up their new business. Spanning 40 training hours, the course will show participants how to study the retail environment, develop a retail business plan and implement it.
Participants are taught by experienced trainers who aim to impart useful skills rather than just theory and they also benefit from networking with fellow participants who have prior working experience.
The course's first run in partnership with WINGS will begin on June 15 and those who have signed up include housewives, retirees and women who are working part-time. Tan said that one participant is employed full-time and will take leave to attend the course.
She added: "We constantly scout for new and exciting things for our members. And they come with open minds and are eager to learn."
By CHAN SEET FUN
Retired banker T S Soh, 60, has been working as a kitchen helper, a waiter and at the counter of cafes.
"I believe that there are opportunities in F&B. Everybody needs to eat but not anyone has time to cook. So, I want to have my own F&B business," said Soh, who retired in 2008, after more than 30 years in banking.
"I've tried to get a job but when they learnt about my age, they said 'so sorry' and they don't interview me. But I believe that you have to be adaptable. So, I will start something on my own."
With his business ownership dream in mind, he switched gears and went from managing a team at a bank branch to starting from scratch in the food and beverage industry. If that meant making tea and coffee, he was prepared to do it.
"I wanted to learn about the business, from the very basics. I wanted to find out first-hand what problems are faced by the staff and by the owners," he said.
Now, with two years of F&B experience under his belt, he is adept at making cappuccinos, sandwiches and pastries from frozen dough. Not only that, he is also "familiar with NEA (National Environment Agency) requirements".
And while he was chalking up valuable hands-on experience, he also went back to school. Last November, he earned a Certificate in Retail Studies from the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS). Last month, he completed SIRS' new "Set Up A Retail Business" course.
"I wanted to see what I could learn before actually setting up my business," he said. "I was the oldest participant in the class. But that's fine. I was there to learn. I should not have to feel inferior."
He added that the course was well worth attending. "Some of the things they taught us hadn't even crossed my mind. There are so many things to consider when starting a business. I've also learned how to do a business plan. This is important, especially if you need financial help. You can use it to present your case. It was a detailed and practical course. I would recommend it. It's short but you learn a lot in that short time.
And with the 90 per cent subsidy from the Workforce Development Authority, I only paid $16.05," he said.
Soh is now on the lookout for a suitable location and hopes to get his business up and running within the next six months. For day-to-day support at his F&B outlet, he will look to his friends and family.
And once things find their rhythm, he might even go into consulting, drawing on his experience as a business owner, and his years in banking, to teach others about becoming their own bosses.
He said: "Some of my ex-colleagues ventured into business without any business experience and without taking any courses first. They just tried. And if they failed, they closed shop. But I am more cautious. I want to look carefully before plunging in. Money is not easy to earn."
Learning about the retail business
A new course on setting up retail businesses has piqued the interest of the members of the Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully (WINGS).
Said WINGS programme executive, May Tan: "The response has been very good. We publicised this course, which is offered as part of our skills programme, in our weekly newsletter and within 10 days of sending out the email blast, all 24 spots were filled. There is a waiting list now."
She added that if the list grows, WINGS will talk to the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS), which runs the course, about organising subsequent intakes for WINGS.
SIRS introduced the course in April this year. Said the institute's manager of business development, Megan Ong: "The response has been tremendous. We've conducted more than 10 intakes since and a good number of participants have been seniors."
She added: "On the whole, the age of our trainees ranges from 17 to 70 and there has always been a fair proportion of mature trainees. Some courses, such as 'Sell Products & Services', are popular with seniors as the skills and certification acquired helps them work as promoters or in freelance sales positions.
We have also seen that this group is interested in the 'Set Up A Retail Business' course. Some of them have retired and are ready to pursue a second career as a business owner."
The "Set Up A Retail Business" course provides insights and tools that will help participants in setting up their new business. Spanning 40 training hours, the course will show participants how to study the retail environment, develop a retail business plan and implement it.
Participants are taught by experienced trainers who aim to impart useful skills rather than just theory and they also benefit from networking with fellow participants who have prior working experience.
The course's first run in partnership with WINGS will begin on June 15 and those who have signed up include housewives, retirees and women who are working part-time. Tan said that one participant is employed full-time and will take leave to attend the course.
She added: "We constantly scout for new and exciting things for our members. And they come with open minds and are eager to learn."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sense of Home Important Is in Residential Care for the Elderly - Science Daily - 4 Apr 2010
ScienceDaily (Apr. 4, 2010) — Many elderly people in residential care feel insecure during
relocation or renovation work -- but there are ways of handling the situation. Those who manage to
create a sense of home where they live are in a better position to cope with the stresses that go with
change, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Going into residential care means that elderly people have to adapt to an environment that differs in
many ways to what they are used to.
"A sense of belonging where you live is important for your sense of self and identity, which, in turn,
strengthens a person's ability to deal with the changes that impaired function and institutionalisation
can bring," says Hanna Falk, nurse and doctoral student at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences.
The thesis also examines how the elderly define the concept of "a sense of home," and found that it
covers far more than just a pleasant physical environment.
"There are other factors that come into play, for example that the elderly furnish their rooms exactly
as they did when they lived at home, or that they make new friends who contribute to a greater sense
of home," says Falk, stating that actual attachment to the institution is vital if it is to be viewed as
home.
She also found that renovations designed to help create a more home-like and supportive
environment in residential care have little impact on how the elderly perceive the atmosphere.
Furthermore, relocation and renovations -- and the problems that they bring -- can negatively affect
the quality of life and wellbeing of the elderly.
"The vulnerability of the elderly in connection with changes to their environment must be given
greater consideration in the context of extensive renovations than is currently the case in the care of
the elderly," says Falk. "There's still plenty of work to be done, for example the development of
action plans to handle relocations and renovations so that the elderly and the staff are in the best
possible position to cope with the situation."
relocation or renovation work -- but there are ways of handling the situation. Those who manage to
create a sense of home where they live are in a better position to cope with the stresses that go with
change, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy.
Going into residential care means that elderly people have to adapt to an environment that differs in
many ways to what they are used to.
"A sense of belonging where you live is important for your sense of self and identity, which, in turn,
strengthens a person's ability to deal with the changes that impaired function and institutionalisation
can bring," says Hanna Falk, nurse and doctoral student at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences.
The thesis also examines how the elderly define the concept of "a sense of home," and found that it
covers far more than just a pleasant physical environment.
"There are other factors that come into play, for example that the elderly furnish their rooms exactly
as they did when they lived at home, or that they make new friends who contribute to a greater sense
of home," says Falk, stating that actual attachment to the institution is vital if it is to be viewed as
home.
She also found that renovations designed to help create a more home-like and supportive
environment in residential care have little impact on how the elderly perceive the atmosphere.
Furthermore, relocation and renovations -- and the problems that they bring -- can negatively affect
the quality of life and wellbeing of the elderly.
"The vulnerability of the elderly in connection with changes to their environment must be given
greater consideration in the context of extensive renovations than is currently the case in the care of
the elderly," says Falk. "There's still plenty of work to be done, for example the development of
action plans to handle relocations and renovations so that the elderly and the staff are in the best
possible position to cope with the situation."
Top Senior Living company The Arbor Company chooses Sitelligence for Cyber Seniors Program - Free Press Release - May 2010
The Arbor Company of Atlanta, Georgia selects Southern California technology company Sitelligence Inc. to create a very successful program for seniors to use Internet technology, called CyberSeniors.
Making computers easy to use and developing other senior based technologies is a billion dollar industry expected to grow to 20 billion by 2020. Studies report learning how to use a computer and the Internet helps seniors be active again and exercise the most important muscle in their body, the brain. It helps them build confidence, stave off the onset of Alzheimer's, stay connected with their loved ones and feel connected to the world around them. For many seniors computers also help them find more purpose in their old age.
The Arbor Company of Atlanta, Georgia manages 14 senior living communities in the Southeast and has partnered with Southern California based technology company Sitelligence Inc. to create a very successful program for their residents called CyberSeniors. â€oeCyberSeniors was a vision of the Chairman of the Arbor Company, M.E. Costello,― says Laura Ellen McAvoy, Director of Operations. "M.E. has always taken pride in being an innovative thinker and as computers and e-mail became more of the way of the business world, he thought it a great tool for our residents and families as well. Even though our residents are a little bit older, they can still benefit from technology just as we do."
"CyberSeniors is a program designed to encourage online communication between residents, their family and friends, and our communities. In addition to promoting an alternative form of communication, this program provides each resident the opportunity to learn basic computer skills in a less invasive setting."
Ms. McAvoy went on to say "The Arbor Company had been looking for a complement their CyberSenior program for quite some time and although we found many companies out there, we weren't looking to invest big dollars in a software program that could only be accessed at the community. When we found that the Sitelligence Resident and Family Portal was completely web based, offering the ability to logon from anywhere with internet access, we knew we'd potentially found a great partner. Along with being web based, we found Sitelligence easy for residents to navigate with large font and one-click access to communication and other important functions for seniors. It is also very simple for staff to use and update with community information for families. Sitelligence also offers a great support system which has been a key component in making the program a success."
"It seems to have given the staff in each community the support system and framework needed to keep the program alive and interesting for residents and families. Families have also taken more interest in the program as it allows access to stay connected with our communities with the click of a button," says Ms. McAvoy.
Brandi Blizzard, Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Gardens of Eastside, an Arbor Company community, says, "Our residents and families are fired up and excited about all the opportunities that the program offers. The program is very senior friendly and we are on the road to success! Sitelligence has made my job much easier. I am able to more effectively communicate with our families by sharing photos of their loved ones, sending e-mail blasts with important community announcements, and updating the portal with meaningful information such as calendars and newsletters. I also use Sitelligence for programming in our community and saved lots of time; time that I can now spend more meaningfully with our residents. I love the connection that we all have through this program."
Making computers easy to use and developing other senior based technologies is a billion dollar industry expected to grow to 20 billion by 2020. Studies report learning how to use a computer and the Internet helps seniors be active again and exercise the most important muscle in their body, the brain. It helps them build confidence, stave off the onset of Alzheimer's, stay connected with their loved ones and feel connected to the world around them. For many seniors computers also help them find more purpose in their old age.
The Arbor Company of Atlanta, Georgia manages 14 senior living communities in the Southeast and has partnered with Southern California based technology company Sitelligence Inc. to create a very successful program for their residents called CyberSeniors. â€oeCyberSeniors was a vision of the Chairman of the Arbor Company, M.E. Costello,― says Laura Ellen McAvoy, Director of Operations. "M.E. has always taken pride in being an innovative thinker and as computers and e-mail became more of the way of the business world, he thought it a great tool for our residents and families as well. Even though our residents are a little bit older, they can still benefit from technology just as we do."
"CyberSeniors is a program designed to encourage online communication between residents, their family and friends, and our communities. In addition to promoting an alternative form of communication, this program provides each resident the opportunity to learn basic computer skills in a less invasive setting."
Ms. McAvoy went on to say "The Arbor Company had been looking for a complement their CyberSenior program for quite some time and although we found many companies out there, we weren't looking to invest big dollars in a software program that could only be accessed at the community. When we found that the Sitelligence Resident and Family Portal was completely web based, offering the ability to logon from anywhere with internet access, we knew we'd potentially found a great partner. Along with being web based, we found Sitelligence easy for residents to navigate with large font and one-click access to communication and other important functions for seniors. It is also very simple for staff to use and update with community information for families. Sitelligence also offers a great support system which has been a key component in making the program a success."
"It seems to have given the staff in each community the support system and framework needed to keep the program alive and interesting for residents and families. Families have also taken more interest in the program as it allows access to stay connected with our communities with the click of a button," says Ms. McAvoy.
Brandi Blizzard, Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Gardens of Eastside, an Arbor Company community, says, "Our residents and families are fired up and excited about all the opportunities that the program offers. The program is very senior friendly and we are on the road to success! Sitelligence has made my job much easier. I am able to more effectively communicate with our families by sharing photos of their loved ones, sending e-mail blasts with important community announcements, and updating the portal with meaningful information such as calendars and newsletters. I also use Sitelligence for programming in our community and saved lots of time; time that I can now spend more meaningfully with our residents. I love the connection that we all have through this program."
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