Gerontechnology for live tomorrow: Insights from Malaysia and an intergenerational choir bridging the young and the young at heart
Kimberly Soh, Su-Ann Ng, Pei-Lee Teh
Full text PDF 
( Download count: 22)
AbstractBackground: Ageing populations in Malaysia and globally face increasing challenges related to social inclusion, cognitive vitality, and intergenerational cohesion. Gerontechnology offers promising solutions to address these issues, yet limited knowledge exists on how older adults engage with technology in creative and intergenerational contexts. This study examines digital tool uptake in a Malaysian intergenerational choir, exploring intersections with musical collaboration to foster connection, learning, and well-being. The study also aims to explore how older adults experience and interpret the role of everyday technologies and how these tools facilitate social inclusion and connection across generations.
Method: A qualitative design was employed, involving pre- and post-event semi-structured interviews with 25 older adult participants from the intergenerational choir programme. Thematic analysis, guided by Practice Theory, examined the interplay of material tools, competence, and meaning in digital practices.
Results: Findings reveal four interrelated domains of technology use: (1) Digital Access and Emotional Entry which refers to technology mediated initiation of connection and rapport; (2) Technology in Independent Learning, which involves self-directed rehearsal and skill development through digital resources; (3) Technology in Social Maintenance which refers to supporting ongoing relationships via messaging, photo sharing, and interaction beyond the event; and (4) Technology as Intergenerational Bridge which facilitates mutual learning and cultural exchange across age groups.
Conclusion: Technology served as both a relational enabler and a cultural bridge, embedding musical collaboration within a digitally supported social fabric. The findings demonstrate that integrating gerontechnology into community arts initiatives can strengthen intergenerational reciprocity, reduce social distance, and sustain engagement beyond program boundaries. The study contributes to a paradigm shift from viewing technology as a tool for adoption to a medium for relational practice in later life.Keywords: gerontechnology, intergenerational engagement, digital practice
Kimberly Soh, Su-Ann Ng, Pei-Lee Teh (2026). Gerontechnology for live tomorrow: Insights from Malaysia and an intergenerational choir bridging the young and the young at heart. Gerontechnology, 25(1), 1-14
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2025.25.1.1239.3