As one of the fastest rapidly ageing in Asia, along with Japan, Statista estimates that in 2022, Singapore had over 678,000 residents aged 65 and above. It forecasts that by 2050, seniors will account for a third of Singapore's population.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched Seniors Lab, a pilot digital programme for integrated senior care, in partnership with Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) in Singapore, to help seniors live and age with confidence.
Seniors Lab seeks to enhance the well-being and inclusivity of Singapore’s ageing population by innovating care delivery systems. Designed to address challenges in rising healthcare costs, the programme leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to create an integrated care delivery system that will lower the cost of care delivery, while helping seniors of SNM lead safer, more comfortable, and independent lives.
By integrating IoT-enabled sensors installed in the seniors’ homes, Seniors Lab digitally detects and reports movement, activity levels, falls, social isolation indicators and other medically relevant parameters, while ensuring privacy. These sensors can be integrated with wearables and devices, as well as healthcare ecosystems and concierge service providers, to further ensure a holistic approach to senior care.
The Seniors Lab programme builds on the success of the SHINESeniors programme, a research initiative of the SMU-TCS iCity Lab, a joint venture between Singapore Management University (SMU) and TCS.
Aspirations of the Seniors Lab
The new programme has introduced a range of new and extended features, including emergency linkages and concierge services, such as ambulance services and companions, attendants, shopping and groceries, and bill payments.
It also allows for the tracking of medically relevant parameters, adding another dimension to comprehensive senior care, enabling them to live more independently.
K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law commented: "Singapore’s resident population is ageing rapidly. In 2022, our residents aged 65 years and above made up 16.6% of the total resident population, which makes Singapore one of the most rapidly ageing societies in Asia. Our environment must evolve to adapt to the growing needs of our elderly."
"I am glad and welcome more similar corporate-charity collaborations like TCS and SNM for Seniors Lab, to raise greater awareness and provide creative living solutions for our seniors to remain active, healthy and live life with purpose and dignity, and for society to benefit from their collective wisdom and experience."
Ameet Nivsarkar, Country Head for TCS Singapore, says the partnership with SNM and the launch of Seniors Lab addresses the underserved needs of the silver generation.
"Losing a sense of autonomy and loneliness at an old age can be a very difficult experience for many," he continued. He added that these efforts and others like them aim to help drive inclusivity and social interaction in Singapore.
"We strive to create a healthier ageing landscape by leveraging technology to empower our seniors in ageing independently, which complements the Healthier SG initiative," said S Devendran, CEO of SNM Singapore.
"We hope to achieve this through ‘Living with Confidence’, a sensor-based IoT technology and data analytics, which allows remote monitoring and timely alerts through a mobile application. Our seniors can take comfort in knowing that they are not alone and get to age in place confidently. This creates a safe and healthy ageing landscape for seniors of today and tomorrow." S Devendran
The Seniors Lab promotes active engagement and participation among seniors, enabling them to shape their ageing journey with dignity and fulfilment. These initiatives are offered through partnerships with Non-Profit Organisations and healthcare providers, with the collective aim of enabling seniors to thrive as active and engaged members of their communities.
TCS aims to extend the Seniors Lab programme to other parts of the world.
