Improving the digital literacy and social participation of older adults : an inclusive platform that fosters intergenerational learning
Abstract
In an increasingly digitalised world, many older adults face the choice of improving their digital skills or risking social isolation and exclusion from essential services. With older adults expected to represent 16% of the global population by 2050, there is a renewed urgency to improve their digital literacy. Although many in-person and online technology training initiatives exist, they are often not accessible or poorly optimised for older adults. Younger adults, who typically form older adults’ support network, may be key to any solution. However, their help typically serves as a temporary fix until a new issue arises, leading to a cycle of dependency. This pilot study offers insights into the technology experiences of older adults, the ways in which younger individuals assist them, and how both groups stay connected. We conducted small-scale but in-depth user studies with older adults, and an online survey of younger adults, to understand how the technology support process could be improved to promote older adult autonomy and active ageing. Based on our findings, we propose an age-friendly platform that leverages intergenerational exchanges for a personalised learning experience that brings together younger and older adults. The final prototype was well received by participants in the user study. However, further exploration of other aspects of their lives and cultural differences in intergenerational learning, and larger studies of younger and older individuals are needed to co-create a solution that helps bridge the global digital divide while enabling older adults to have more fulfilling lives.
Citation
Farag , Y , Narra , G , Balasubramaniam , D & Boyd , K M 2024 , Improving the digital literacy and social participation of older adults : an inclusive platform that fosters intergenerational learning . in M Mulvenna , M L Perez & M Ziefle (eds) , Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health (ICT4AWE 2024) . International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health (ICT4AWE) , SciTePress , pp. 47-58 , 10th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health , Angers , France , 28/04/24 . https://doi.org/10.5220/0012623400003699 conference
Publication
Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health (ICT4AWE 2024)
ISSN
2184-5239Type
Conference item
Collections
Items in the St Andrews Research Repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.