SINGAPORE — Several services are available to help senior citizens adapt to other platforms to access information other than from the now-ceased Teletext, Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said in Parliament today (Oct 21).

These include the Silver Infocomm Initiative, which teaches seniors how to access the information that was previously on Teletext, and much more.

Under the initiative, seniors without home access to the Internet are able to utilise 124 free web-surfing points, known as Silver Infocomm Hotspots, at various community clubs, self-help group centres, Residents’ Committees, and libraries in Singapore.

Dr Yaacob said: “Our libraries also offer older Singaporeans courses and workshops on basic computing as well as how to use common mobile devices and access NLB eResources and eBooks.”

Seniors can also borrow e-devices such as iPads from selected libraries and receive training on how to use them.

Nonetheless, Dr Yaacob said it has been encouraging to hear of seniors who have shared their positive experiences in learning to use computers and smart phones.

This is amid some of the concerns raised over the difficulties the elderly may face with the end of the Teletext service.

MediaCorp ended the 30-year-old service, which offered round-the-clock news, classifieds and information such as stock indices and weather reports, last month.

Dr Yaacob said MediaCorp decided to cease the Teletext service, as it was no longer commercially viable. He cited a 2011 survey which showed that there were some 187,000 people who accessed daily stock price information through the service.

This year the number dropped by 85 per cent to about 28,000 people. CHANNEL NEWSASIA