From video calls with the grandchildren to paying by QR code, a smartphone can make daily life easier for seniors. The tricky part is getting started. The good news is that there is hands-on help available island-wide.
Seniors Go Digital and SG Digital Community Hubs
IMDA's Seniors Go Digital programme helps seniors pick up basic digital skills, such as using a smartphone to communicate, accessing digital government services, transacting digitally and learning online safety tips. You can join a guided session or a learning journey at your nearest SG Digital Community Hub.
According to the Digital for Life portal, hubs are located across the North, Central, Central West, East and West regions. The Agency for Integrated Care adds that they are in selected Community Clubs and Centres and Public Libraries, and lists the activity as for seniors. Digital Ambassadors guide learners one-on-one. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) also says IMDA's SG Digital Office runs lessons on managing screen time, including tracking usage and setting daily limits.
You can find a hub and book a session through the booking link on the Digital for Life website. The pages we read did not state any fees, so please confirm with the hub when booking.
Mobile Access for Seniors (MAS) scheme
For seniors who cannot afford a phone, the Mobile Access for Seniors scheme offers a subsidised smartphone and mobile plan. According to SupportGoWhere, you qualify if you:
are a Singapore Citizen aged 60 and above (based on birth year)
are currently receiving ComCare Long Term Assistance, ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance or the HDB Public Rental Scheme
have not already received a smartphone under IMDA's Home Access scheme
What you get
- A smartphone from S$20 (one-time cost)
- A 2-year mobile plan at S$5.10 a month
- Free SIM registration and caller ID, unlimited incoming local calls and continued data connectivity with no excess data charges
How to apply
- Attend the Seniors Go Digital programme at any SG Digital Community Hub and pick up at least one basic digital skill.
- Collect the MAS redemption voucher from the Digital Ambassadors.
- Redeem the voucher at a participating telco.
It is one registration per senior, and no end date is listed on the page we checked. Approval is not guaranteed, so please confirm your eligibility with the hub.
Tips for family members
Go along to the first session if you can.
Start with one skill, such as video calls, before moving on to e-payments.
Set up Singpass together and consider turning on passkeys for safer logins.
A little patience goes a long way. Learning at a comfortable pace is the whole point of these sessions.
