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Digital Well-Being · Seniors · Singapore · Smartphone Addiction
Seniors in Singapore are increasingly exhibiting problematic smartphone use, with ownership among those aged 75 and above surging from 41% to 60% between 2019 and 2020, and 89% owning a smartphone by 2023, raising concerns about health and social disengagement.
This trend, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, reflects a shift from digital inclusion efforts like Singtel's 2012 Project Silverline to managing overuse. Experts like Dr.
Natalie Pang of the National University of Singapore note that while smartphones are essential for digital-first public services, they can become a crutch for loneliness and unstructured time in retirement. The Health and Lifestyle Survey found one in three Singaporeans exhibited problematic smartphone use, linked to poorer mental health, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Ms. Shannen Ang of SAGE Counselling Centre and Dr.
Kimberly Chew of AO Psychology observe seniors using phones to cope, sometimes leading to a preference for virtual over human interaction, as highlighted by Associate Professor Carol Ma of the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Physical issues like eye strain and neck pain are also reported by the Singapore Optometric Association.
The SG Digital Office (SDO) is addressing this through "Seniors Go Digital" workshops focused on digital well-being and screen time management, emphasizing moderation and real-life social support over willpower alone.
