Seniors Go Digital: Three Months On

By Kami Navarro

Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and it seems like life has largely returned to normal in Singapore. Through digital tools like SafeEntry and SGQR e-payment, many of us have been able to resume daily activities in a safe manner. But as life moves online, it’s important to ensure that our seniors are also ready to make the big move and go digital as we prioritise digital literacy and digital wellness.

“The biggest impact of COVID-19 for our seniors has been a sense of not being able to continue with their normal life,” said Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran at the Teck Ghee Community Centre last 29 August. “Digital technology [can] really help our seniors cope with this kind of challenge.” 

To empower seniors with the skills needed to go digital in this digital age, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and SG Digital Office (SDO) launched the Seniors Go Digital programme in May 2020. Through the programme, seniors can drop by SG Digital community hubs conveniently located across Singapore to learn digital tips and tricks from Digital Ambassadors, improving their digital literacy. . 

Almost six months after the launch of Seniors Go Digital, the programme has shown promising results. Here are five things you need to know about Seniors Go Digital and its progress so far!

1. On the road to 100,000! 

With the deployment of 1,000 capable Digital Ambassadors, it’s no surprise that they’ve already engaged around 16,000 seniors. Their next milestone is even more ambitious: to reach 100,000 seniors by March 2021. 

To date, feedback for Seniors Go Digital has been positive. For example, 95 percent of seniors who received training felt satisfied with the sessions. Madame Nooraini Bte Zamzam, 63, agrees with this sentiment. “The sessions are very good,” she said. “The Digital Ambassadors are very patient in teaching me.” 

But it’s not just seniors who are enjoying the experience. For Digital Ambassadors like Mr James Foo, sharing digital knowledge is equally rewarding. “I remember there was one senior who was reluctant to pick up e-payments after a bad experience,” he shared. “When we taught her how to use it correctly, with live demonstrations, she was surprised to see how easy e-payments could be. She even motivated some of her friends to come on board!” 

2. Improving the digital learning experience

As the inspirational quote goes, “You’ll never know unless you try.” Accordingly, IMDA and SDO have introduced interactive learning journeys where seniors can immediately test their newfound digital skills.

In the e-Payment Learning Journey, seniors can practise scanning a QR code to pay for purchases at a pop-up minimart. Such hands-on initiatives are appreciated by seniors who are looking to pick up e-payment, including Madame Bridget Khoo, 63. “Because we are elderly, digital technology is not something we come across,” she shared. “Now, we learn and practice.”

These stamps can then be used to redeem exciting prizes, giving seniors more reason to go digital!

3. SG Digital community hubs, coming your way soon!

From Bedok to Boon Lay, more than 30 SG Digital community hubs have been established islandwide since the start of July. Soon, another 25 community hubs will be set up at libraries to provide seniors with a safe space to ask for digital advice. 

The Seniors Go Digital programme not only aims to enhance seniors' digital literacy but also their digital wellbeing. Except for public holidays, friendly Digital Ambassadors will be stationed daily at these hubs, ready to provide one-on-one digital assistance. Small group classes are also available in languages including English, Malay, Mandarin and other dialects—ensuring that anyone who needs digital help will receive it.

4. Mobilising towards a shared digital future

For a shared digital future to be possible, everyone should have access to digital skills and tools. IMDA’s Mobile Access for Seniors scheme overcomes financial barriers to digitalisation by providing eligible seniors with a subsidised smartphone and mobile plan. With perks like free caller ID and no excess data charges, the scheme gives seniors a seamless introduction into the digital world. 

As these seniors take their first steps to go digital, they’ll be guided by kind-hearted volunteers from organisations like Youth Corps Singapore to help unlock their smartphones’ full potential. 

“What we do is interact one-on-one with seniors who have just gotten their new smartphone and assist them with onboarding,” explained Ms Joy Tan Xie Jie, a volunteer at Youth Corps Singapore. About 300 Youth Corps Singapore volunteers will go into community spaces such as senior activity centres on a weekly basis to provide one-to-one assistance to seniors on how to use their smartphones. This entails tasks like putting the SIM card in the phone, introducing seniors to features like the power and volume buttons as well as teaching them basic phone navigation such as how to do video calls and communicate online.

5. Creating a digitally united Singapore

The whole-of-nation digitalisation movement wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of IMDA’s partners. Telcos like M1, Singtel, StarHub, and TPG have stepped up to offer subsidised data plans. Meanwhile, youth development agencies like Youth Corps Singapore are also rallying their youth volunteers to provide seniors with much-needed digital guidance.

Of course, there’s room for everyone to contribute—including yourself! Donating through IMDA’s Digital Access Programme will give needy elderly and low-income families the financial support they need to go digital. To donate online, visit the fundraising webpage at https://go.gov.sg/support-digital-for-life. Alternatively, you can also contact IMDA’s fundraising partner Community Chest at ncss_comchest@ncss.gov.sg or at 1800 210 2600.