Digital technology plays a significant role in helping people live well for longer, according to a study commissioned by Prudential Singapore.
More than half (54%) of the 800 Singapore residents aged 25 to 65 surveyed say that mobile devices and apps are critical tools in preparing for rising longevity.
Of those who are using technology to manage their well-being, 36% say digital tools have had the greatest positive impact on their financial situation, and 27% indicated personal health.
Dennis Tan, chief executive of Prudential Singapore, said the findings were not surprising given that Singapore is a widely connected nation with a high number of mobile phone users. Based on data from the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the mobile penetration rate in 2021 was 159%, which means that each resident has about 1.6 mobile subscriptions.
"Since the pandemic, more people have gone digital and technology has become a core part of our lives," said Mr Tan. "We need to build on this momentum by ensuring that digital technologies are simple by design so that everyone can use them easily.
"This will encourage individuals to continue using technology to take charge of their health and wealth as they get ready for a longer life."
In the research report titled "Digital for 100: Harnessing technology for longer lifespans", respondents reported high levels of proficiency in using digital tools to improve or to monitor their personal and financial health.
More than 4 in 5 (85%) say they are skilled at using mobile banking apps, and 70% financial management apps. On the health front, 73% say they are well versed in using technologies such as apps for keeping tabs on their physical health, wearable fitness trackers (76%) and wearable health monitors (72%).
Respondents say digital tools have helped them to better manage their bank accounts, pension, investments and insurance needs. They also use technology for monitoring physical fitness, blood pressure, sleep, diet and for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Despite the high level of digital proficiency in Singapore, only two-thirds (67%) are good at using mental health tools, such as apps that measure stress and anxiety levels, or those that monitor moods.
"Digital technologies provide ready and easy access to mental health tools and resources that can help people take proactive steps in managing their mental well-being," he said. "This is crucial in helping to address growing mental health concerns."
While technology adoption is on the rise, nearly half (49%) of all respondents say modern digital tools are getting more complex. This figure was more than half for those aged between 35 and 44 (55%) and between 55 to 65 (52%).
Whether it's finance or other apps, complexity hinders wider adoption among Singaporeans, according to Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
"It is incumbent on technology companies and service providers to construct their solutions with the simplest possible design," he said.
Overall, the survey conducted in June and July 2022 by Economist Impact showed that Singapore residents are becoming increasingly confident about their ability to live to 100, even amid a global health crisis and economic headwinds.
Some 42% of respondents say they are prepared for rising longevity from a health and wellness perspective, up from 31% in 2021, the highest figure in any of the surveys in the research series conducted by the company. A full 54% indicated they are prepared for a longer life from a financial health perspective, up from 29% in 2021.
Prudential is doing its part to make health and financial resources more accessible to everyone, including Pulse by Prudential, its digital health and wellness app.
Users can access healthcare services such as the artificial intelligence-powered health check and symptom checker to assess their health or make use of wealth tools, such as an assistant to set and track financial goals. They can also purchase bite-sized insurance plans through the app.
