Guest Post

Due to the prevalent loneliness that the elderly experience, they are more vulnerable to falling for fake friend scams. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021, social isolation affects around one in four older adults worldwide. However, this number is higher in Singapore. A social issue that plagues Singapore is how loneliness in old age increases the elderly’s vulnerability to victimization, particularly fake friend scams. This widespread feeling of isolation leaves seniors desperate for any means of social interaction, causing them to overlook suspicious signs their “friends” display. Once convinced they are speaking to someone familiar, the elderly tend to let their guard down and willingly oblige to their “friend’s” requests, thus falling for the fake friend scam.

Statistics reveal that 1 in 10 seniors over 60 suffer from dementia, with over 50% of those above 80 at risk. Moreover, 3/4 individuals with dementia experience rejection and loneliness, as per a national survey. The problem is the lack of the public’s understanding and empathy towards those with dementia.

Our problem statement is “Elderly living alone in Singapore face weak social networks, leading to poor mental health”. The elderly living alone face difficulties interacting and maintaining meaningful connections with those around them. Prolonged, this leads to poor mental health. There is a need to provide more avenues for the elderly to interact and form meaningful, lasting connections with one another.

The elderly experience loneliness primarily because of insufficient social interaction. This arises predominantly from families’ time constraints, compounded by the elderly’s health issues that hinder their social engagement. These health issues often prompt families to become overprotective, limiting the elderly’s activities or prompting self-isolation due to feelings of burden. Moreover, caregivers harbor concerns about the elderly’s well-being when apart from them, often experiencing guilt over their perceived loneliness or vulnerability. This can precipitate mental health challenges for caregivers, as well as impede their career advancement and personal aspirations.

“Phishing, Investment and Social Media Impersonation are the most common scams targeted at seniors aged 65-75 and living in the heartlands. The main emotions targeted are fear and greed. Regarding fear, the elderly are currently taking an avoidant stance where they avoid any suspicious messages or calls instead of understanding what is authentic or not. For greed, it stems from the temptation of making extra money that few can resist. Furthermore, current initiatives are known to seniors but are ineffective for anti-scam prevention.”