Singapore is a rapidly ageing society with 25% of citizens reaching 65 years and older by 2030. Studies on digital technology use in Singapore have found that 66% of older persons in Singapore used technology though this varied depending on demographics (Visaria et al., 2023). Moreover, older persons in Singapore who owned fewer digital devices experienced greater social isolation (Tadai & Tan, 2023). The digital divide experienced by older persons worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic as they had poor access to digital solutions put in place to mitigate effects of lockdown measures such as on their mental health (Martins Van Jaarsveld, 2020).

Currently, no known research has utilised a validated scale to examine the attitudes of older persons towards technology use in Singapore, nor examined the interaction between technology use and loneliness as well as social support. To address this gap, this research explored why older persons in Singapore may or may not use technology, and whether their propensity to use technology is associated with loneliness and social support. Hence, this study utilised the brief Senior Technology Acceptance scale (Chen & Lou, 2020), the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the Oslo Social Support Scale, to examine factors that contributed to older persons’ acceptance of technology, and correlations with loneliness and social support. Preliminary findings presented will shed light on the challenges older persons experience, so as to facilitate technology adoption that can improve their physical and emotional health, therefore enhancing their overall quality of life.

Authors:
Nicholas Netto, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Terence Yow, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Gerard Chung, National University of Singapore, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Nicholas Netto is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences in Singapore

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/nicholasnetto

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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