Collaborate to reduce the digital divide for older people

The general objective of the project is to improve the quality of life, autonomy and social inclusion of older adults by offering individualised digital literacy workshops that promote active ageing and create intergenerational meeting spaces within the local community.

Specifically, the project pursues the following objectives:

• Combat unwanted loneliness: promote interaction between different generations to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

• Provide individualised training: offer personalised education adapted to the needs and skills of each older person, from basic concepts to more advanced digital skills.

• Build confidence in the use of technology: help participants gain confidence when using digital devices and online tools, reducing technological intimidation and promoting a positive attitude towards technology.

• Promote social inclusion: facilitate participation in online social activities, such as social networks, video calls and online communities, to foster meaningful connections and combat social isolation.

Spain is one of the European Union countries with the largest older population, with nearly 20% of its population aged 65 and over. By 2060, one in three Spaniards will be over the age of 65. This demographic shift affects individuals and communities and makes it necessary to take action to address ageing and its consequences.

One of the major challenges of today’s society is technological transformation, which creates differences in people’s ability to adapt. This generational digital divide is especially evident among people over the age of 65, who are the least familiar with new technologies. Many own a smartphone but lack the necessary skills to use it, such as accessing social media. Others do not have a smartphone and are reluctant to get one because they consider it complicated. The rapid advancement of technology makes it increasingly necessary to implement measures to prevent the widening of the digital divide and to reduce its negative impact on older adults.

The project provides personalised training to improve digital skills, recognising the importance of digital inclusion in today’s society. It focuses on equipping older adults with the tools they need to participate in the digital world, strengthening their autonomy and social skills. In addition, it encourages connections with people from other generations and engagement with other digital environments.

To implement the project, the following actions will be carried out:

• Initial assessment: an evaluation of each participant’s skills and needs will be conducted in order to design a personalised training plan.

• Workshops: individualised training sessions will be delivered, guided by a trained volunteer, using a practical and gradual approach to address technological concepts.

• Educational resources: easy-to-understand teaching materials, such as printed guides, will be provided to reinforce learning outside the workshops.

• Evaluation: assessments will be carried out at the end of the training sessions to measure impact and gather information to improve the programme.

The project is aimed at people over the age of 65 who participate in the Grandes Amigos programmes and are experiencing loneliness or social vulnerability, and who are not familiar with new technologies but wish to change this situation. A total of 55 older adults are expected to take part in the project.

Grandes Amigos