This study examines television-viewing among Singaporean Chinese older adults through a sociological lens, addressing a gap between media studies, which often emphasize immediate social contexts, and gerontology, which frames television as a passive substitute for lost roles in old age. Adopting a life course perspective, the research conceptualizes television-viewing in later life as a dynamic practice shaped by individuals’ life experiences within specific socio-historical contexts. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 18 Singaporean Chinese older adults and archival research, the study traces how modernisation and globalisation in Singapore have influenced their life trajectories and media practices over time. Findings highlight how lifelong experiences, evolving social networks, and historical shifts collectively shape patterns of television-viewing in old age. This study contributes to ageing research by emphasizing the importance of historical and relational dimensions in understanding later-life behaviours. It also demonstrates the value of applying the life course perspective to media practices, showing how its five principles work together to construct a fuller understanding of behaviour in later life. These insights offer practical implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to design ageing interventions and media programming that resonate with older adults’ lived experiences.

Authors:
Lauren Hsin Wei Sim, University of Tokyo, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Lauren SIM is currently a graduate student at the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo. Her research focuses on ageing and social policy, with an interest in intergenerational relationships and diverse ageing experiences in Asia.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark