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Singaporean seniors get pro esports training to boost reflexes and digital skills
🇸🇬 Singapore /Technology

Singaporean seniors get pro esports training to boost reflexes and digital skills

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Around 200 seniors in Singapore will receive 12 weeks of professional esports coaching to enhance mental activity, digital skills, and social connections.
  • The program, organized by Lions Befrienders and supported by OCBC, involves training in games like Counter-Strike and Street Fighter to improve reaction time and coordination.
  • Participants view the initiative as a fun way to stay mentally alert, connect with younger generations, and become more comfortable with technology.

In Singapore, a novel program is equipping around 200 seniors with 12 weeks of professional esports coaching, aiming to boost their reflexes, digital literacy, and social engagement. Organized by the social service agency Lions Befrienders with support from OCBC, the initiative trains older adults in popular games such as Counter-Strike, Street Fighter, and Just Dance.

It's good for seniors to enjoy these types of games to keep our minds alert. So (we can) be happy and can learn the game and enjoy.

— Neelathevi ChenpathayanA 68-year-old retiree on the benefits of playing esports games.

The chosen games are designed to enhance crucial skills like reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and communication. Retiree Neelathevi Chenpathayan, 68, expressed enthusiasm for the program, calling it a fun and effective way for seniors to maintain mental alertness. She found "Just Dance" to be her favorite during the launch event, noting, "It's good for seniors to enjoy these types of games to keep our minds alert."

These esports are mainly played by youngsters, but now it's introduced to the elderly. In future, we can play these esports together with the youngsters, so we have better interaction with them. I can play with my children or even my grandchildren.

— Lim Beng HongA 65-year-old retiree on how esports can foster intergenerational connections.

Another retiree, 65-year-old Lim Beng Hong, who regularly plays games like Street Fighter with his wife, sees esports as a bridge to connect with younger generations. "These esports are mainly played by youngsters, but now it's introduced to the elderly," he said. "In future, we can play these esports together with the youngsters, so we have better interaction with them."

The likes of Counter Strike 2 or Nintendo-based fitness titles blend gaming technology, physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social interaction in one attractive package.

— Tan Teck LongOCBC's group CEO on the multifaceted benefits of the esports program for seniors.

OCBC is funding 2,400 coaching sessions over two years with a S$100,000 contribution. The bank's group CEO, Tan Teck Long, highlighted the program's innovative approach to active aging, stating, "The likes of Counter Strike 2 or Nintendo-based fitness titles blend gaming technology, physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social interaction in one attractive package." Beyond recreation, the program aims to make seniors more comfortable with technology, serving as a "gateway to introduce them into the digital world."

It's a gateway to introduce them into the digital world.

— Phil LohMr Phil Loh, head of the charity’s integrated community case provider, on how esports helps seniors engage with technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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