The use of innovative technology in Singapore is significantly impacting the country of 5.8 million people. While the digital transformation of the city-state had more to do with businesses, governmental operations, and the latest industrial revolution, various technologies are improving the quality of life for older people. According to the Population in Brief 2024 Report, 19.9% of the citizens were 65 years and above as of June 2024.
Continuous technology innovation is vital in helping the ageing society in Singapore, many of whom have had to continue working instead of retiring because they need to support themselves financially. Marriage, fertility, and birth rates are decreasing, creating a workforce shortage that is pushing the government to expand its immigration practices to cover for the discrepancy.
How can Singapore further support its startup ecosystem as an AI hub?
Additionally, the elderly face challenges like mobility and handling daily tasks, unexpected falls, financial insecurities, rising medical expenses, chronic health problems, isolation, and depression, among others.
Top ways in which technology can help an ageing society
- Innovative technologies for seniors: The number of citizens 65 years and above is on target to reach 900,000 by 2030, with those living alone rising to 83,000. Ageing makes them susceptible to diseases, cognitive decline, and other issues, and it is not always possible for the younger generation to place their senior family members in assisted living facilities. Even so, there are various tech solutions available to enhance the quality of life for Singapore’s ageing society, including:
- Smart home products: Older Singaporeans can live safely and independently through web-based health management systems that integrate with smart home devices. The tech can help by using sensors to detect falls and notify a medical response team of the location. Furthermore, the technology can send alerts to remind ageing people when to take their medication. Singapore-based automation company Anjels offers wireless home management devices such as elderly-care monitors. Budget 2024 provides funding to empower active ageing through ringfencing USD 3.5 billion for Age Well SG. It supports seniors in their homes, expands the network of Active Ageing Centres, and introduces more senior-friendly home fittings.
- Robotics and assistive devices: The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found that Singapore was second in the world in adopting industrial robots in 2017. According to Smart Nation Singapore, assistive technology and robotics meet elderly needs by enhancing the overall well-being of those with disabilities or mobility issues. For example, they improve patient care through robot-assisted recovery exercises and automated bathing machines.
- Telemedicine and health wearables: Using telemedicine platforms enables remote consultations, improving patient care, simplifying access to patient data, and facilitating remote assessment and diagnosis. Smart health wearables also enhance distance care through continuous health tracking and fall detection for older adults in Singapore.
- AI-powered health solutions: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is powering the city-state’s healthcare system through medicine disbursement and inventory management, personalised healthcare, supporting clinical decisions by aiding with imaging reviews, analysing patient data, and predicting future ailments for older people.
- Smart mobility options: Singapore has made many elder-friendly changes to their cities to aid mobility. For example, the Government Assisted Living Ecosystem (GALE) provides a Personal Alert Button (PAB) for emergencies, a Case Management System (CMS) for outreach and care coordination, and 24/7 telecare operators and Senior Activity Centre (SAC) staff to watch over the ageing communities. Additionally, Budget 2024 provides funding for senior-friendly commuter infrastructure, including wheelchair-accessible public transport, among other enhancements.
Impact of technology on Singapore’s ageing society
Even though technology makes a significant difference, it is still costly and has privacy and hacking concerns, and Singapore needs more expertise to deal with these changes. Seniors will also need training in using novel technologies, troubleshooting faulty devices, and accessing medical information. Also, medical tech workers may need help interpreting medical test results accurately.
Nevertheless, innovative technology in Singapore has transformative potential to better lives and create an inclusive, elder-friendly digital landscape. Tech brings safety, remote monitoring, timely assistance, help with medication schedules, and the ability to keep in touch to avoid isolation.
Technology innovation can bring more accessible and affordable devices by making them in bulk, localising AI solutions with local languages and user-friendly interfaces for older people. The key for the government is to provide funding and change laws to protect the ageing population from abuse and mistreatment in the communities.
According to the Action Plan for Successful Ageing 2023 Report by the Ministry of Health (MOH), goals for the ageing society in Singapore must be relevant for seniors now and in the future. The Ministerial Committee on Ageing (MCA) can unite multiple government agencies to make policy changes and foster inter-ministerial and people-private-public collaborations.
Finally, the report encourages preventative healthcare for seniors, active ageing programmes, and volunteerism to remain engaged in society and pursue aspirations to improve their lives.