AI, technology being used to help seniors tell their life stories, keep active
Published on
14 Sep 2024
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE – Madam Lian Swee Wah has always been drawn to the power of words, and she loves writing. She wrote her first book – an autobiography – in 2019 and published it with the help of a former student.
In July 2024, the 85-year-old retired Chinese language teacher published her second book, thanks to a pilot programme at St Luke’s ElderCare Active Ageing Centre (Care) @ Northshore that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Spanning eight weeks from April to June, the Golden Memories programme made use of a generative AI application, MemoryLane, that allows the elderly to document their life stories.
The app asks seniors questions to help them reflect on their past experiences, and record them through typing or voice recording. With the information, the app can create a video or text that can be turned into a book.
During the last week of the programme, each of the seniors presented the story of their life to the group.
A total of 15 seniors participated in the pilot. Following their feedback, the duration of the programme was reduced to six weeks.
The programme is also offered at two other centres, in Anchorvale and Bishan, and will be gradually introduced in other St Luke’s ElderCare centres. It is an example of how technology can be used to enrich the lives of the seniors.
St Luke’s ElderCare Active Ageing Centre (Care) @ Northshore in Punggol, which has been serving more than 500 elders with daycare services and active ageing programmes since becoming operational in September 2023, has been a testing ground for such innovations.
Another use of technology at the centre is an interactive wall that displays seniors’ artwork digitally. The artworks are tagged with a QR code which can be scanned, enabling the works to appear on the wall. Seniors can then tap on different areas, activating animated effects.
The centre also offers day rehabilitation services that make use of advanced robotic equipment to help the seniors improve their mobility. These robots make therapy more engaging, with game elements such as points and difficulty levels, encouraging the elderly to actively participate and make precise movements. The centre has treated over 160 rehabilitation clients to date.
St Luke’s ElderCare Day Rehabilitation Centre @ Bukit Batok Central, which has been operational since July 9, employs similar advanced robotics equipment.
The Northshore centre also offers more conventional active ageing activities such as outings, walks, baking, calligraphy and dance sessions.
Madam Lian was initially reluctant to join the centre, which is near her home, fearing that it would be similar to nursing homes where she has observed seniors sitting around idly.
She quickly changed her mind when she joined in September 2023 because of the warm reception from the staff at the centre. She has also made friends with the other seniors at the centre.
“It feels like a big, warm family,” Madam Lian said. “The facilities are very good. The staff and volunteers here often organise fun games and activities for us.”
Speaking at the centre’s official opening on Sept 13, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, and Digital Development and Information, noted that one million Singaporeans are expected to be aged 65 or older by 2030.
Hence, he emphasised, it is important to establish a robust infrastructure and a comprehensive network of care partners to support seniors in their communities. He cited St Luke’s ElderCare Active Ageing Centre (Care) @ Northshore as an example.
“Increasingly, social isolation is a significant issue for many of our seniors, and this social isolation can adversely affect their health,” he added. “It can pose challenges for ageing well. One of our key strategies to address this is to expand the number of active ageing centres – centres like this.”
To enhance services in the north-east region, St Luke’s ElderCare will open a new senior care centre in Fernvale and its second nursing home, SLEC Residence @ Punggol, offering 201 beds, in 2025.
St Luke’s ElderCare and SingHealth signed a memorandum of understanding at the Northshore centre’s opening to provide better care for the elderly in Singapore by supporting their transition from hospital to community care.
For example, SingHealth can send patients who need cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to St Luke’s ElderCare’s day rehabilitation centre in Anchorvale, so they can continue their recovery closer to home.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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