Silver Kakis

Leading an active lifestyle is a cornerstone to leading a good life. Physical health and well-being back up mental health and wellbeing. This is all the more important for the elderly. A SingHealth survey in Marine Parade showed that more than half the elderly above the age of 60 do not exercise. While many programmes and initiatives are available, access to technology remains an obstacle to the elderly, preventing them from being more involved in community activities such as exercise classes. Hence, Silver Kakis was born, an idea for a two-pronged approach to tackle this issue, by bringing these programmes onto platforms the elderly are already using.

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Why Is This Important?

Many elderly may be unfamiliar with using technology, and thus unable to sign up for physical activities that are accessed via online platforms.

This means that they miss out on wider community issues, and if not involved in a social circle, also miss out on social interaction

In the current climate, more of the elderly than ever struggle with a sense of displacement due to their digital estrangement. The pandemic has shifted many of our activities online, from personal training to gym classes. The elderly miss out on these by being disconnected digitally.

The First Prong

Whatsapp Bots

Everyone uses Whatsapp. It's an intrinsic part of our day-to-day life, whether you're sending someone a funny meme, or a reminder to a colleague. For the elderly, Whatsapp can be a powerful tool to socialise and keep in the loop.

Whatsapp bots can

Disseminate information regarding community events, and send sign-up links directly to the elderly
Share publicity materials such as posters and images
Utilise voice messages to assist the elderly who may have poorer eyesight
Be written in specific languages to cross the language barrier, e.g. Tamil Bots, Teochew Bots, Malay Bots, etc

The Second Prong

Uncle-Auntie Influencers

The "Kakis", the elderly who are active in community events, the ones that can inspire their peers to be more active and take part in more programmes. Positive peer pressure can be effective, as

We are more inclined to join our friends in activities
It nudges the elderly to make better health decisions alongside their friends
And it inculcates a mentality of togetherness, strengthening social ties and communal bonds