"Their hands are shaky but the will is strong. They are serious learners and their intent is to be able to communicate with the world. Social networking sites like Facebook provide the platform required to remain connected with the outside world," says financial consultant Sudhir Gupta.

 "The biggest problem of old age is that there is nobody around to communicate. Because of the generational gap, youngsters do not want to interact with the senior citizens and the adults have no time. With living standards having improved and health-care facilities better, many of these retired fellows are out to have some good fun," comments Surendra Sharma, a senior citizen and hotel owner of Delhi Gate who rues not having learnt the "computer tricks." Indeed computers have opened a new window of opportunity for many of us, says elderly housewife and ex-government servant Nirmala.

 It was a little late that the 25 old wise men of Agra realized they had missed the bus. Now they are trying hard to pick up the thread and become IT savvy at the Noble Academy in Madia Katra, where Respect Age has arranged for their training in computer basics.

 Says Girish Gupta of Respect Age International, "It is the fifth batch of retired personnel who are being provided free training, this will help them use the computers and internet not only to remain connected but also be gainfully engaged."

 When computers were not there, people in old age found comfort in books. "But definitely computers are more versatile and convenient not only for communication but also for one's own self-satisfaction, listening to choicest music, or updating knowledge on weather, economics or astrology," says Mahesh Chand, a retired bank employee whose best friend now is his Laptop.

 At the computer centre, citizens past 70, are now learning how to use the machine to connect with their grandkids, surf the net for information and entertainment and while away their long hours in the evening of life, creatively.

 Girish Gupta, the general secretary of Respect Age founded in early 1960s by his father says "there has been a very positive response. Many people can now afford computers but they are hesitant to ask kids at home how to run the system. Even in our course we do not allow young people to join the course because there would be a problem of adjustment. Old people take time and ask too many questions but the younger ones being more comfortable with new age technology want to rush through the course, which gives an inferiority complex to the older folks. The minimum age for admission is 60. The young ones teach the senior citizens, which many find an interesting experiment."

 Computers help fill the void and kill time. Many senior people are lonely as there is no one around to talk to and chat. "Once you become computer savvy platforms like Facebook or Orkut give you opportunities to connect with others," says a retired income tax officer.

 The group includes retired personnel from the railways, police, businessmen and bank officials too.

"They come from far flung colonies and spend enough time here. After the classes the students have refreshments," Girish said. Anushka Kunalini is the course director.

Asked how this computer knowledge would help, one student said he would write stories and articles.

Another said he would make birth charts (kundalis). But they all agreed it was a very useful and interesting course they had ever joined in their life.

Tomar, Sayyed, Saxena and many others said they were enjoying the internet.

"After the basics they will teach us how to email and chat. I am looking forward to it," said one. Many like him are excited. "With children moving out to greener pastures, we need to remain connected, talk to them, internet phones are free and less cumbersome. Its so much fun," says Upadhyayaji.

The Taj city has several senior citizens well past their prime who are using the net to file RTI applications, lodge complaints and write letters to the editor.

Quite a few like ex-MLA Satish Chandra Gupta, 83 years, are on the Facebook and their day starts not with a cup of tea but typing out a status report on the Facebook.

Respect Age has been running several useful programmes for the senior citizens. Its own Old Age Home with adequate facilities is now ready in Shastripuram area, according to Girish Gupta.