Survey: Seniors spending less during pandemic

A study by the SMU Centre for Research On Successful Ageing (ROSA) looked at the impact of the coronavirus and circuit breaker (CB) measures on the elderly to evaluate the effectiveness of the government's relief policies and pinpoint their deficiencies. The study found that the average income of seniors during April has reduced by 6%, and their expenditure in this month was also down by 23%, compared to January. The Centre also offered suggestions on the aspects of loneliness and technology, to improve the living standards of these seniors. ROSA Director, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan hopes that the study will lead to the formulation of better policies, to quickly bring seniors out of the crisis, and to provide a channel to those in need of help.