Whether it's making QR code payments or using e-tickets to access
attractions, Singapore's seniors are getting a lot more accustomed to
digital payments and online shopping.
The rising prevalence of tech-savvy senior citizens in Singapore is
in part driven by the pandemic, when many took to e-commerce to purchase
goods and services due to safe-distancing measures and hygiene
concerns.
According to a recent survey by Visa, 36% of seniors shopped online
in 2021, compared to the 25% in 2018. Top online purchases include
clothing, food and groceries, and household or cleaning products. These
seniors cite convenience, ease of use and the ability to shop from the
comfort of their homes as reason for greater eCommerce usage.
“While many seniors in Singapore are now aware and use digital
payments, there is still further opportunity to change the behaviour of
those who have not embarked on this journey,” said Kunal Chatterjee,
Visa country manager for Singapore & Brunei.
Nearly one-third of Singapore seniors have indicated that they are
more likely to make purchases online than visit brick-and-mortar shops.
This is a positive sign that more seniors are pivoting towards
digital adoption, and may be better equipped or even more welcoming to
the travel industry’s growing technological transformation.
The silver surfers in favour of digital payments are similarly, like a
growing number of travellers, motivated by faster transactions,
immediate confirmation and ease of use.