Course Code: GER527
Synopsis
The use of technology in expanding the potential of seniors and facilitating them to live independent lives is pervasive across the world. Gerontechnology aims to fulfill the needs of an ageing society. This course will focus on scientific research and advances in technology that can enhance the physical and mental health, social participation and safety of the seniors. Students will engage in a group project that innovatively addresses a challenge that is faced by seniors by either designing a product or a service. As longevity increases, technology can be tapped to prevent age-related diseases and age-related losses through exercise, therapeutic intervention and affordable treatment. Students are guided to seek solutions to improve the quality of life of seniors by combining knowledge of the ageing process woven with technological expertise.
Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY
Topics
- Application of Technology Acceptance Model framework
- Artificial Intelligence in improving personalisation of ageing needs
- Gamification to create positive engagement with older adults
- Exploring Gerontechnology – its role and functions
- The five aspects of Gerontechnology: Enhancement, Prevention, Compensation, Care and Research
- Physical and mental barriers and enablers to seniors’ participation
- Social, cognitive, and affective barriers and enablers
- Application of technology in the field of health and housing
- Advances of assistive technology in the field of mobility and communication
- Designing facilitators in the field of education and learning
- Applications for engaging Asian seniors for mental ‘gym’
- Ethical Issues and future research areas
Learning Outcome
- Examine the factors that contribute to the success of techno-gerontological solutions
- Design and improve geron-technology applications that address health, rehabilitation, disability and caregiving concerns
- Plan a project that deals with the process of applying technology to age-related issues and/or problems
- Discuss the issues and challenges involved in persuading seniors to embrace technology
- Create and develop interventions and/or programmes to support healthy engagement of mental functions through technologies
- Design a product or service that can meet the needs of seniors in the Asian context
Dates for 2026 January Semester
| Session | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9am to 6pm | SUSS |
| 2 | 8:30am to 6pm | SUSS |
| 3 | 8:30am to 6pm | SUSS |
| 4 | 8:30am to 6pm | SUSS |
Who Should Attend
- Executives who require knowledge on Gerontology
Relevance of Course to Employment / Upskilling / Reskilling
Students will innovatively address the challenges faced by seniors by either designing a product or a service. Learning about how technology can be tapped to prevent age-related diseases and age-related losses through exercise, therapeutic intervention and affordable treatment.
On the other hand, caregiving is recognized as one of the key challenges of an ageing population, students can learn of assistive technology to learn the complexity of this area which could also lead to the most significant opportunities for innovation.
Many technology companies have identified tremendous opportunities in the longevity market. When considering solutions and services, seeking the different perspectives of carers. Using design-thinking methodology and co-creation with older people, caregivers and care recipients, the course will guide students in creating human-centered design that balances technology human need for connection in active ageing community.
The meaning engagement of students in the class can strengthening intergenerational inclusion in the workforce. Drawing insights and learnings about inclusion initiatives and programs such as onboarding employees, total health and employee wellness benefits, and skills-based volunteering opportunities may also be relevant for developing new strategies aimed at retaining and recruiting senior employees.
Admission Prerequisites
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required as a prerequisite for entry into this course.
Please refer to Graduate CET Admission Eligibility Criteria for Graduate CET Modular Courses.
Schedule
| Session | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 2-May-26 | 8:30am to 12:30pm | Introduction to Gerontechnology: Intersection between technology and aging
Smart technology for precision aged care: Starting from the bed
|
| 1pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 1pm to 6pm | Design thinking: From Gerontechnology research to daily applications
Overview and Aspects of Gerontechnology
| |
| Session 2 9-May-26 | 8:30am to 12:30pm | Assistive Technologies
|
| 1pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 1pm to 6pm | Smart technology for precision healthy aging
| |
| Session 3 17-May-26 | 8:30am to 12:30pm | Robots: A Gerontechnology point of view
|
| 12:30pm to 1:30pm | Lunch Break | |
| 1:30pm to 6pm | Assessment Framework for technology acceptance and outcomes
| |
| Session 4 23-May-26 | 8:30am to 1:00pm | GBA Group presentations |
| 1pm to 2pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2pm to 6pm | Ethics and Technology
|
Assessments
- Assignments
About the Trainer
Dr Kelvin Tan
Dr Kelvin Tan is Head of Programme in Applied Ageing Studies and senior lecturer and Mentor/Domain Expert in Gerontology and Innovation programmes in Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
He is the President of Society for Gerontechnology Spore, honorary Research Fellow in The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Sau Po Center on Ageing, Fellow of St Luke’s CommCare Academy, and also Fellow of the Taiwan Fellowship Programme. He was Advisor to WHO Western Pacific Region for the AMR Innovations Challenge 2023.
His recent research work include Social robots and older persons was funded by the Ministry of Education (Singapore) Start-up Research Funding, Social robots for older persons and children with disabilities by Temasek Foundation, AI Tuina robot, Drumming-up with Exercise ball, Medical Grip, Intergen Coliving and IoT Ring with exercise/Music with NTNU.
He is active volunteer in community project in East Coast Singapore and ibasho SG in Health District@Queenstown. He also partners with MIDEA/Toshiba’s CSR programme in Southwest CDC as CSR give-back to the community in 2022/23. He has organised the yearly SUSS Chingay Watch Party with People’s Association (PA) and partners. In 2022, SUSS was recognised for its efforts by the People’s Association Community Spirit Award.
Kelvin leads the SUSS-NUNCHI MARINE Age Well Programme, launched in Dec 2022. He holds various advisory roles in WuWei Tumour Hospital (China), One&Co, Ageing Asia, People’s Association and Yincubator. He mentors startups in the field of social enterprise, healthcare, smart cities and sustainability.
Prior to SUSS, he was the Director for Corporate Partnerships, Innovation and Entrepreneur Division, in National University of Singapore (NUS). Concurrently, he was the Business Development Director in NUS Smart Systems Institute which translates IPs for commercialisation.
He has co-founded a startup in multimedia technologies for smart devices. His experience spanned across diverse roles in policy making, R&D, strategic alliances, business and product development in HP, AT&T, KDDI and Telecommunication Authority of Spore.
Course Fee
| International Participants | Singapore Citizens (below 40yrs), Permanent Residents | SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy1 (S'poreans aged 40 and above) | Enhanced Training Support for SME2 (Singaporean and PRs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Course fee (A) | $3,168.00 | $2,640.00 | $2,640.00 | $2,640.00 |
| SSG grant (70%) (B) | - | $1,848.00 | $1,848.00 | $1,848.00 |
| Nett course fee (A) - (B) = (C) | $3,168.00 | $792.00 | $792.00 | $792.00 |
| 9% GST on nett course fee (D) | $285.12 | $71.28 | $71.28 | $71.28 |
| Total nett course fee payable, including GST (C) + (D) = (E) | $3,453.12 | $863.28 | $863.28 | $863.28 |
| Less additional funding if eligible under various schemes (F) | - | - | - | $528.00 |
| Total nett course fee payable, including GST, after additional funding from the various funding schemes (E) - (F) = (H) | $3,453.12 | $863.28 | $335.28 | $335.28 |
Singaporeans aged 40 years and above may apply to offset out-of-pocket course fees from their SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) 60 days before the programme start date, and up to 90 days after the programme start date. More information at /academics/executive-lifelong-learning/courses/grant---schemes/skillsfuture#skillsfuture-credit
For payment, please refer to /payment-modes for the various payment modes.
For Refund Policy, please refer to /admissions/financial-matters/tuition-fee-subsidy/cet-courses#refund-policy.
- A written request for a refund must be submitted and is subject to approval.
- If written notice of withdrawal is given within the cooling off period and before the course start date, a full refund of the fees paid less an administrative charge of $110.00 (exclusive of GST) will be given.
- No refund will be given for withdrawal thereafter.
- The cooling off period is defined as 7 working days after payment of course fee.
Course Completion Requirements
- Participants are required to achieve at least 75% attendance and pass any prescribed examinations/assessments or submit any course/project work (if any) under the course requirement.
- Participants are required to complete all surveys and feedbacks related to the course
- The course fees are reviewed annually and may be revised. The University reserves the right to adjust the course fees without prior notice.
- Singapore University of Social Sciences reserves the right to amend and/or revise the above schedule without prior notice
For clarification, please contact the SUSS Academy via the following:
Telephone: +65 6248 0263
Email: [email protected]