Senior citizens break digital barriers with help from DBS
Shreedhee Sajeev
A GROUP of seniors over 60 years old were gathered in a room, intently bent over their phones, learning the ins and outs of cybersecurity. Although something new, it has not daunted them to delve into the digital world, to protect themselves from being scammed.
This activity was part of DBS’ efforts to help seniors adapt and thrive in a tech-intensive environment. With a strengthened focus on anti-scam workshops, DBS has been working with community partners such as Lions Befrienders to extend educational workshops to even more seniors to help them combat scammers.
Monica Datta, head of community impact chapter, DBS Foundation, said that the team often works with its community partners to find out what would be most beneficial to those who are attending these workshops, and customise the curriculum accordingly.
During the acitivity, DBS’ volunteers shared about the common scam methods especially those targeting seniors, such as impersonation scams, phishing scams and job scams, and how to spot and avoid them. They also shared tips on how the seniors can protect themselves.
Said 75-year-old Lions Befrienders participant Fatimah Khamis: “The cybersecurity workshop was helpful as I now know better about the different types of scams out there.”
Anthony Tay, chairman of Lion Befrienders, said that the cybersecurity workshop with DBS empowered the seniors with digital skills and increased their awareness of online scams.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 12.30 pm
ESG Insights
An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues.
In addition, about 700 DBS volunteers brought 1,000 Lions Befrienders’ seniors out for sponsored grocery shopping trips to commemorate International Day of Older Persons. This activity helped to alleviate pressures in rising costs, especially in their daily expenses.
Each senior was also equipped with S$50 loaded on a Nets Flashpay card, to learn from DBS volunteers the usage of e-payments through an easy, uncomplicated way.
Datta noted that DBS’ “support for the community doesn’t end here” and that the foundation is looking to do more in the future. “We will also continue to work with more like-minded partners to further our scam awareness education, so that seniors are empowered with the knowledge and skills to spot and avoid scams”, she said.
Both programmes are under DBS Foundation’s volunteer initiative – People of Purpose – that encourages employees to give back and create positive impact in the community.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
