We’ve probably seen an episode of Black Mirror or two that’s made us re-evaluate our dependence on technology, but there’s no denying the power it holds. Like most Singaporean millennials, we can’t really remember what life was like pre-iPhone. But you know who does remember? Your grandparents.
You know, the ones who keep asking you why a pop-up keeps popping up, who might sometimes use the wrong emoji, and who sends you a good morning sticker. Every. Single. Morning. But we know that, dutiful grandkid that you are, you hold back the eye rolls. (Right?!)
Now, if you’re living in Singapore, you’re probably aware of our increasing aging population. Your ah ma’s age group is at the highest risk of being left behind in an increasingly tech-forward world — just think of the conveniences that she’s missing out on, from booking a Grab to simply being able to pay for her purchases without having to squint at coins.
So, jokes aside, how can we ensure tech empowers the elderly to thrive in a world of smartphones and apps? How can we ensure that they don’t get left behind?
Enter Grab, who’s partnering up with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to provide digital clinics to the Merdeka Generation (and up). Besides learning to navigate their app, attendees will also be brought up to speed on how e-payments and other digital services work — vital skills that will empower them to benefit from technology just as much as your everyday millennial.
Tech-enabled elders will be more independent. With Grab, seniors can travel safely and loved ones can rest easy knowing their favorite great aunt or uncle will make it home from the family gathering safe and sound and confident in their travel abilities.
Forgot your wallet? We’ve definitely been there. Think about sweet old ah gong who might’ve gone out shopping, only to realize he’d left his wallet at home, and the trip back would take him another hour. Well, good thing many banks have adopted cardless cash withdrawals as an option. Take comfort in the fact that ah gong can now safely withdraw cash securely through his banking app and go about his merry way.
Alternatively, tech-forward ah gong could also pay for his shopping with his GrabPay Wallet, by simply scanning the QR code to pay at any GrabPay merchant. You, too, could enjoy peace of mind knowing your forgetful grandparent won’t have to carry around a huge wad of cash.
Stalls in hawker centres are already hopping onto the e-payment wave. Ten years ago, if you told any makcik they could pay for a plate of chicken rice by flashing a phone screen at a card reader, they might’ve muttered ‘gila la’ under their breath. Well, we’re well and truly living in the future, and there’s nothing gila about that.
That’s not all, as chances of fraud dramatically decrease thanks to digital records of all transactions — which grandkids can definitely help to monitor. In fact, family members getting involved might be key to bridging the gap between the younger and tech-savvy generation with the older and less trusting of the ever-changing nature of technology, and the constant supply of new apps on the market.
Guess it’s safe to say that using the Grab app doesn’t just have to be about getting you from one place to another, it also has the feature of taking you into the future too.
So next time your nenek asks you how to use a new app, give her a lesson and surprise her with her favorite nasi ayam, ordered straight to her doorstep with GrabFood. Favorite grandchild title, secured!
