"The survey highlights the concerns of Spaniards, especially older adults, about the use of AI and data privacy."

Artificial intelligence

2025

Center for Sociological Research (CIS)

The data are highlighted in a survey on artificial intelligence conducted by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS) to assess the level of knowledge Spaniards have about this technology, its use, and the uncertainties or fears it generates. The sociological study was conducted during the month of February based on 4,000 telephone interviews with adults (91.3% of whom were Spanish) from 1,131 municipalities in 50 provinces.

Investigation

Spain

URL

"In addition, distance from digital technology is, unsurprisingly, correlated with less knowledge of the latest technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, Midjourney or Dall-E".

French digital society : Digital mediation challenged by digital exclusion

2025

Lucie BRICE MANSENCAL (CREDOC), Jérôme CLERGET (Université Rennes 2, CREAD-M@rsouin), Matthieu SERREAU (Université Rennes 2, CREAD-M@rsouin), Pascal PLANTARD (Université Rennes 2, CREAD-M@rsouin).

In 2021, the Digital Society Program of the Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires (ANCT), has launched a consultation for the production of a series of studies on the state of the art of France's French digital society. It is in this context that CREDOC and CREAD, in association with GIS M@rsouin, are carrying out a diagnostic and analytical work.

Institutional report

France

URL

"Despite the positive attitude toward technology, it is crucial to consider that older adults may prefer human interaction, especially when frailty/vulnerability conditions are present. [...] Adopting a blended approach, encompassing both virtual and human interactions, may, therefore, improve healthcare accessibility [...] making them more usable by reducing older adults’ fear of losing autonomy, feeling incapable, or becoming isolated."

Promoting healthy aging using new digital solutions in Italy: A scoping review

2025

L Danesin, V Pucci, A Vidoret, S Mondini, G Arcara, S Montemurro, F Burgio

This academic study offers a comprehensive overview of technologies employed in Italy to support healthy aging, focusing on the integration of digital tools to enhance the well-being of the elderly

Journal Article

Italy

URL

"In Spain, misinformation is widely recognized as a significant social problem that can threaten democracy, especially among older people."

Some AI-created fake news is so crude it's easy to spot.

2024

J- Dos, N. López. Cadena Ser Vitoria

The vulnerability of older adults to misinformation and the importance of media literacy are analyzed.

Article

Spain

URL

López Insúa, B. del M. (2024). Protecting the Elderly in the Digital Age: Between Work and Retirement

Protecting the Elderly in the Digital Age: Between Work and Retirement

2024

Belén del Mar López Insúa

Analyzes the legal challenges and solutions related to digitalization and its impact on older adults in the workplace and pensions.

Book

Spain

URL

"The results of this study show that education remains essential to raise awareness of cyber protection among French people. There are many scam attempts and it is important that everyone can detect them. We are all actors in our own security, particularly digital security, and adopting preventive measures means protecting ourselves against fraud"

The French and cybersecurity: Perceptions and behaviour

2024

Magalie Gerard, Sylvain Reich, Hadrien Gouttefangeas (Federation des Banques Françaises, Harris Interactive)

Study by the French Banking Federation (FBF) conducted with Harris Interactive on the perceptions and behaviour of the French regarding cybersecurity

Institutional report

France

URL

"Italy is closing the gap with the European Union in fact of basic digital skills; even today, however, more than half of Italian citizens do not have even basic digital skills"

Italy: A Snapshot of Digital Skills (2024)

2024

Digital Skills and Jobs Platform - EU

This report provides an overview of Italy's digital skills landscape as of 2024, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges in achieving comprehensive digital literacy among its population.

Journal Article

Italy

URL

"Almost half of the people aged 16-74 have at least basic digital skills"

Decennio digitale e capitale umano: il ritardo dell’Italia nelle competenze

2024

ISTAT

This document examines Italy's delay in achieving the European 2030 targets for digital skills. In 2023, only 45.9% of Italian adults have adequate digital skills, with the percentage dropping to 19.4% among those aged 65-74.

Report

Italy

URL

" Italy suffers from divides at different levels (geographical, socio-economic, educational) that are also reflected online"

Digital Decade Country Report 2024: Italy

2024

European Commission

The second annual report on the State of the Digital Decade takes stock of the EU’s progress towards a successful digital transformation, as set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030.

Report

Italy

URL

"Significant disparities in policies and outcomes related to aging persist among European Union countries"

Un percorso verso l’inclusione anche in Europa: da Nonni su Internet a e-EngAGEd

2024

Fondazione Mondo Digitale, a cura di Alberta Testa

The article explores the importance of active aging and intergenerational learning in Europe, highlighting initiatives which promote digital skills among the elderly and strengthen intergenerational connections for broader social inclusion.

Article

Italy

URL

“The point of the gathering is to challenge what behavior is considered appropriate for old age. “My grandmother was very strict and religious, and she dressed almost like a nun,” says pensioner Ewa Rapacz, 80.”

Don’t fear the boomers! How Poland is celebrating its old people – and making life better for every age

2024

The Guardian

Newspaper article

EU

URL

The report from OECD (2024) provides a comprehensive analysis of seniors' engagement with digital services.​ The report highlights that while many EU countries have digitalized public services, seniors often face barriers such as limited digital literacy and lack of access to necessary technology, hindering their effective use of e-government platforms.​ Seniors may be hesitant to use online banking services due to concerns about security and fraud, as well as unfamiliarity with digital interfaces. This reluctance can lead to continued reliance on traditional banking methods. The adoption of digital health services among seniors is often low, attributed to factors like lack of awareness, difficulties in navigating complex platforms, and concerns about privacy and data security.

Gap analysis and implementation roadmap for enhancing the digital skills of seniors during and beyond the RRP implementation timeline Activity 4.1 Conduct a gap analysis

2024

OECD

Report

EU

URL

Regarding the barriers and gaps seniors preventing seniors from engaging in digital literacy and online engagement, a few can be mentioned. To start, many older adults lack the basic digital skills needed to use devices or access online services. In 2023, only 28% of people aged 65–74 in the EU had at least basic digital skills, compared to 70% of those aged 16–24.

Skills for the digital age

2024

Eurostat

Website

EU

URL

Next, digital platforms are often not designed with older users in mind. Complex layouts, small text, or unclear instructions make websites and apps difficult to use, discouraging senior engagement (OECD, 2024). A significant group of older adults across the European Union faces persistent psychological barriers that prevent them from engaging with digital technologies.

Gap analysis and implementation roadmap for enhancing the digital skills of seniors during and beyond the RRP implementation timeline Activity 4.1 Conduct a gap analysis

2024

OECD

Report

EU

URL

, the most prominent challenge in digitalizing adult seniors lies in the fact that women and men across the EU have limited digital skills: ,,Lower digital skills were recorded in older age groups among both men and women. For example, in the 65-74 age group, the percentage of men with at least basic digital skills more than halves compared with those aged 25-34 (69% compared with 34%). The contrast among women of different age groups was even more pronounced: 71% of women aged 25-34 possessed at least basic digital skills compared with only 25% of those aged 65-74.’’

Digital skills in 2023: impact of education and age

2024

Eurostat

Website

EU

URL

"In 2024, 69.3% of Polish individuals aged 55-74 used the internet at least once a week."

Individuals - frequency of internet use

2024

Eurostat

Eurostat data for Poland shows that 69.3% of individuals aged 55-74 used the internet at least once a week in 2024. This highlights a growing digital inclusion among older adults.

Statistical Report

Poland

URL

Digital skills are essential for success in the modern world, making them a critical focus of adult education. By addressing challenges such as access to technology, technological anxiety, and resource availability, educators can help bridge the digital divide. Implementing accessible learning programs, utilizing community resources, tailoring curricula, providing mentorship, incorporating hands-on learning, and promoting digital equity are effective strategies to enhance digital literacy among adult learners.

Digital Skills in Adult Education: Bridging the Digital Divide

2024

Abdullah Anil TOROS

This article is based on the fact that we live in moderen and digital worls so it is important for older people to be in touch with this technological thing. So adult education is important and digital skills are essential for people can funcnioning in tevery day living.

Article / EPALE

North Macedonia

URL

Martí-Danés, A., Pont-Sorribes, C., Besalú, R., Rodríguez-Martínez, R., Mauri-Rios, M., Ramon-Vegas, X., & Cuartielles, R. (2023). People over 60 years of age are good at identifying fake news, according to a study by the Ideograma-UPF Chair. Pompeu Fabra University.

People over 60 are good at identifying fake news.

2023

Aleix Martí-Danés, Carles Pont-Sorribes, Reinald Besalú, Ruth Rodríguez-Martínez, Marcel Mauri-Rios, Xavier Ramon-Vegas, Roger Cuartielles (Pompeu Fabra University)​

This study demonstrates that people over 60 are competent at identifying misinformation and highlights a gender gap in information credibility.

Academy Article

Spain

URL

Medina, R., & Zecchi, B. (Eds.). (2023). Technologies of Age: Cinematic Imaginaries of Old Age.

Technologies of Age: Cinematic Imaginaries of Old Age

2023

Raquel Medina and Barbara Zecchi​

This volume analyzes representations of aging in cinema, offering a critical perspective on how old age is imagined in audiovisual media.

Book

Spain

URL

"The relationship with others, and especially with those around us, seems to be what matters most to our respondents in their use of digital technologies. Considered "practical" and "more pleasant", the use of a cell phone allows for more human and synchronous contact than a computer or tablet. Despite the ease with which some of our respondents use digital tools, some of the older people we interviewed encountered complications in their use of technology. Several of them mentioned malfunctions, difficulties in use or discomfort with a digital tool. While these inconveniences concern cell phones as much as computers and tablets, some are more related to the tool itself or to the capabilities (which may be compromised depending on the state of health)"

Older Adults and Digital Exclusion. A Critical Approach

2023

Justine Grosperrin-Legrand, Banassa Bamba and Aline Chassagne

A total of 30 people were interviewed through semi-directive interviews highlighting the many and varied ways in which older adults use digital technologies. These results allow us to discuss the notion of “digital exclusion”, often associated with ageing.

Scientific paper

France

URL

In 2021, 15.4% of people aged 15 or over living in France are digital illiterate: 13.9% have not used the Internet in the last three months, and 1.5% have used it but lack basic digital skills. Illectronism rises sharply with age, and is more widespread among people of modest means. In addition, 28% of Internet users have weak digital skills, i.e. they lack competence in one, two or three of five areas: finding information, communicating online, using software, protecting privacy and solving problems online. Privacy protection is the least mastered skill area, while almost all Internet users know how to communicate via the Internet. Illectronism has decreased by 3 points between 2019 and 2021, in the context of the health crisis. Skills related to using software and finding information online have become particularly widespread.Older people are the most affected by illiteracy: 62% of those aged 75 or over, compared with just 2% of those aged over 50.

15% of the population will be illiterate in 2021

2023

Hayet Bendekkiche, Louise Viard-Guillot (Insee)

Yearly statistical study by the french national statistics department (INSEE).

Institutional report

France

URL

"Technologies and new technological devices represent a real opportunity to improve the quality of life, especially for elderly people who live in uncomfortable situations [...] The risk, otherwise, is to cause growing and further inequalities, leaving behind those who are already fragile"

Digital Literacy, Technology Education and Lifelong Learning for Elderly: Towards Policies for a Digital Social Innovation Welfare

2023

M D'Ambrosio, D Boriati

This research explores the digital engagement of older adults, analyzing their use of technology and identifying educational strategies to improve digital literacy among the elderly in Italy.

Report

Italy

URL

"There are gender gaps in favor of men, particularly among the elderly population"

Cittadini e competenze digitali

2023

ISTAT

This report analyzes the digital skills of the Italian population, highlighting that in 2023 only 45.7% of people aged 16 to 74 have at least basic digital skills. The percentage decreases significantly with age, reaching 19.3% among people aged 65-74.

Report

Italy

URL

"Education and training are fundamental requirements that facilitate people's participation in full and active citizenship at all ages"

Gli anziani nelle città metropolitane

2023

ISTAT

This analysis provides an in-depth examination of the elderly population (people aged 65 and over) residing in metropolitan cities. Specifically, it identifies the socio-demographic characteristics and living conditions of the elderly living in these areas using a set of demographic indicators on single-person households, education level, professional status, and more.

Book

Italy

URL

"Over 91% of people aged 11 to 54 have connected to the Internet in the past three months. However, the share drops to 60.4% among those aged 65 to 74, and further declines to 24.7% among the population aged 75 and over"

Istat, aumento l'uso della rete internet, anche fra anziani

2023

Ansa

The article summarizes the latest researches made by ISTAT about the use of internet among the elderly.

Article

Italy

URL

Exhibit 1. People aged 65 and older in the EU-27 in 2020 and projected for 2050 (% of total population)

Fundamental Rights of Older Persons: Ensuring Access to Public Services in Digital Societies

2023

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

-

Report

EU

URL

Exhibit 2. Online activities by older people in 2022 in the EU-27, by age groups (%)

Fundamental Rights of Older Persons: Ensuring Access to Public Services in Digital Societies

2023

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

-

Report

EU

URL

Exhibit 3. People buying goods or services online (as % of people who used internet in the last year - 2023)

Digitalisation in Europe – 2024 edition

2023

Eurostat

-

Interactive publications

EU

URL

In addition, Wilson, Gates, Vijaykumar & Morgan (2023) highlight several challenges that older people face when using digital tools. In a survey of 20 respondents in England, Scotland and Wales, the authors highlight several responses, of which the following are the most important: • “I’m liable, the occasions that I do go on [a desktop computer], I have to scream, help, why can’t I get this? Why can’t I get that? I don’t like [the desktop computer]. I’ve not grown up with one. I have persevered with [the iPad] and I can adapt. I don’t need any [thing other than the iPad].” (P018, female, 78 years) • “I don’t want everyone to know what I am doing, when I am doing it kind of thing. I think we’re more cautious.” (P002, female, 78 years) • “One thing you do sort of wonder about the technology, how many people can hack in and get to know your business. I’m very wary about internet banking for instance. I don’t quite trust that at the minute.” (P013, female, 79 years) • “[The iPad] is bigger for my fingers.” (P008, male, 77 years) • “I just read other people’s [comments on Facebook]. I can press a little smiley face. Anything where I can just press a button, but I am no good at this typing thing at all … mostly and my hands shaking, they tend to want to press the wrong button and I have to start all over again.” (P002, female, 78 years)

Understanding older adults’ use of social technology and the factors influencing use

2023

Wilson, G., Gates, J. R., Vijaykumar, S., & Morgan, D. J.

-

Research paper

EU

URL

Exhibit 4. Types of devices and technologies that seniors (55 - 64 years old) most used in 2023 (as % of individuals used the internet)

Individuals - devices used to access the internet

2023

Eurostat

Publication

EU

URL

Exhibit 5. Types of devices and technologies that seniors (65 - 74 years old) most used in 2023 (as % of individuals used the internet)

Individuals - devices used to access the internet

2023

Eurostat

Publication

EU

URL

More details about project BOOMER

Booming digital literacy of elderly population

2023

BOOMER Consortium

Website

EU

URL

The most essential skills for seniors include those related to digital communication, information access, daily transactions, health management, cognitive engagement, and civic participation.

The importance of acquiring digital skills in the elderly

2023

European Commission

Website

EU

URL

"Seniors often fear technology due to lack of knowledge, past negative experiences, and low self-confidence in their digital skills."

Potrzeby i bariery osób starszych w korzystaniu z technologii cyfrowych

2023

Anna Przybylska / Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego

This expert paper outlines the psychological, technical, and social barriers faced by older adults in Poland. It emphasizes the importance of tailored digital training and support systems - making it highly relevant for WP2’s needs analysis and training pathway recommendations.

Research Paper

Poland

URL

"The strategy promotes the development of digital competences across society through formal and informal education, with particular attention to digitally excluded groups - including older adults."

Strategia cyfryzacji Polski do 2035 roku

2023

Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji

This national digital strategy sets out Poland’s vision for digital transformation through 2035. It emphasizes equal access, lifelong learning, and active support for digitally excluded groups, particularly seniors - making it a key reference for WP2’s policy and training framework.

National Policy Paper

Poland

URL

Digitalization has created a rapidly changing environment for adult education, both in terms of the content and delivery of education. The digitization of work creates a new quality of tasks and tools through the interaction of workers and machines in digitized environments.

Transforming Adult Learning in the Digital Age: Exploring Environmental, Content, and Technological Changes

2023

Karin Rott & Bernhard Schmidt-Hertha

Research paper for the widespread adoption of digital technology has brought about significant societal changes in recent decades. The impact of digitalization is felt in nearly every aspect of our lives, from the way we communicate and work to how we access information and entertainment. As a result, digitalization has also had a profound effect on adult education, with new opportunities but also challenges

Research Paper

North Macedonia

URL

"Older people consider their ICT skills to be poor, using them to communicate with friends and family."

Older Adults and New Information and Communication Technologies: A Commitment to Bridging the Social Digital Divide

2022

Margarita Rosa Pino Juste, Jorge Genaro Soto Carballo y Beatriz Rodríguez López

With increasing life expectancy and the growth of knowledge and information, ICTs enable older adults to enhance and improve their individual and social development and optimize their quality of life from technical, economic, political, and cultural perspectives.

Monograph

Spain

URL

Hou, L. (2022). Internet Use by Older Adults: Reasons for and Solutions to the Digital Divide in the City of Valladolid. University of Valladolid.

Internet use among older adults: Reasons for and solutions to the digital divide in the city of Valladolid

2022

Long Hou (University of Valladolid)

This paper analyzes the attitudes of older adults in Valladolid toward the Internet and proposes solutions to reduce the digital divide.

Master's thesis

Spain

URL

"Digital competence involves the confident, critical and responsible use of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and for participation in society."

DigComp 2.2 The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens

2022

Riina Vuorikari Stefano Kluzer Yves Punie / EU Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)

A Science for Policy report by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service. It aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policymaking process. The Digital Competence Framework for Citizen (DigComp) provides a common understanding of what digital competence is. The present publication has two main parts: The integrated DigComp 2.2 framework provides more than 250 new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes that help citizens engage confidently, critically and safely with digital technologies, and new and emerging ones such as systems driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Policy Paper

Italy

URL

"It is necessary to establish long-term tools for the coordination, analysis, planning, and monitoring of active aging policies at the national level, involving all Ministries, Departments at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Regions, and Autonomous Provinces"

Politiche per l’invecchiamento attivo in Italia: Quali possibili obiettivi nelle Regioni, nelle Province Autonome, nei Ministeri e nei Dipartimenti presso la Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri? Raccolta di rapporti

2022

Dipartimento per le politiche della famiglia, a cura di Davide Lucantoni e Andrea Principi

This report discusses regional policies to promote digital literacy among the elderly, suggesting interventions such as training courses and intergenerational initiatives to reduce the digital divide

Report

Italy

URL

Many seniors express a fear of using digital tools, concerned they might make irreversible mistakes, damage devices, or expose themselves to online fraud. This “technophobia” is often coupled with a lack of confidence.

EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

2022

European Commission

Website

EU

URL

One of the primary obstacles is the slower pace at which many older learners absorb new information, particularly in digital environments. This can lead to difficulties in keeping up with the fast-evolving landscape of technology.

Erasmus+ Programme: yes we can, Guide for senior educators with the adaption of freire methodology in the ICT learning

2022

IASIS NGO

Report

EU

URL

The MADIS Handbook (2022) presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and best practices related to the digital inclusion of seniors across several EU countries. Based on survey results, the following critical success factors for digital training programs targeted at seniors have been identified: The MADIS Handbook (2022) presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and best practices related to the digital inclusion of seniors across several EU countries. Based on survey results, the following critical success factors for digital training programs targeted at seniors have been identified: a) Free access and removal of financial barriers - a recurring obstacle for seniors is the inability to afford course fees or digital equipment, b) Access to devices and physical accessibility - physical and organisational barriers were also common, including lack of devices and limited mobility, c) Short and flexible learning formats - to accommodate seniors' physical limitations and time constraints, programs avoid long or intense sessions, d) Personalised, small group or one-on-one learning - any seniors feel anxious about learning in large or unfamiliar groups, e) Monitoring and adaptation based on feedback - programs often incorporate participant feedback to adapt training formats and content, f) Community-Based Implementation and Intergenerational Support - trust and familiarity are crucial. Several programs collaborate with local senior centres, libraries, or intergenerational volunteers (e.g., students assisting seniors).

MADIS Handbook

2022

ARETES Societa Cooperativa, DATEY Eyrich GmbH and DIGITAL IDEA

Report

EU

URL

"The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens provides a common understanding of what digital competence is."

DigComp 2.2 The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens

2022

Riina Vuorikari Stefano Kluzer Yves Punie / EU Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)

A Science for Policy report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). DigComp 2.2 defines digital competence and includes over 250 updated examples of skills and attitudes relevant for active, safe, and critical digital engagement - especially among vulnerable groups like older adults.

Policy Paper

Poland

URL

"Only 38.7% of Polish citizens aged 55-64 used online public services in the past 12 months."

Społeczeństwo Informacyjne w Polsce

2022

Główny Urząd Statystyczny (GUS)

National statistics on ICT access and digital skill levels in Poland, including age-specific trends. The report provides key evidence on the digital behaviours and barriers faced by older adults in Poland.

Statistical Report

Poland

URL

For eLearning there is a need for collaborative approaches that support inclusion for successful lifelong learning. Employees with disabilities may lose their ability to master new digital tools for their work due to a lack of accessibility in further education and even have difficulty participating in meetings.

Mobility for Smart Cities and Regional Development - Challenges for Higher Education

2022

Branig, M., Engel, C., Schmalfuß-Schwarz, J., Müller, E. F., & Weber, G

This paper provides an overview of digital approaches for collaboration among older students for successful communication, coordination, and control in learning settings.

Research Paper

North Macedonia

URL

"While it affects working-class retirees and the least autonomous the hardest, our interviews showed that the digitization of private and general interest services is causing concern among a large number of older adults, even among those whose digital skills are relatively advanced; suggesting that dematerialization not only brings practical difficulties, but also more symbolic issues, insofar as it raises broader questions about the place of older people in a largely digitized society."

Aging and internet use: practical and symbolical consequences of the digitalization of public services for older adults

2021

Lucie Delias (Terminal Magazine)

Based on a socio-ethnographic survey of people aged 62 to 82, this article examines the practical and symbolic consequences of digitization for people affected by ageing, using the dematerialization of administrative procedures as a case study.

Scientific paper

France

URL

"At the national level, there is a lack of a truly comprehensive and stable initiative aimed at ensuring the full integration and participation of elderly people in society"

Raccomandazioni per l’adozione di politiche in materia di invecchiamento attivo

2021

Dipartimento per le politiche della famiglia, a cura di Davide Lucantoni, Pietro Checcucci, Marco Socci, Roberta Fefè, Giovanni Lamura, Francesco Barbabella, Andrea Principi

The document emphasizes the importance of promoting digital literacy for people over sixty, involving schools and senior universities to combat digital illiteracy and promote social inclusion.

Report

Italy

URL

In addition to psychological challenges, economic constraints are a major barrier. Furthermore, even when infrastructure and devices are available, many older individuals still struggle to find digital training that is accessible, practical, and appropriate for their learning pace. Existing training programs often assume a baseline level of familiarity with technology or are designed with younger learners in mind

Adult Social Inclusion in a Digital Environment

2021

Instytut Badań I Innowacji w Edukacji [INBIE]

Report

EU

URL

"By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and over will represent nearly 30% of the EU population."

The 2021 Ageing Report: Economic and Budgetary Projections for the EU Member States (2019–2070)

2021

European Commission

This policy report provides demographic projections and ageing trends in the EU. It contextualizes the urgency of active ageing strategies and supports the rationale for digital inclusion efforts among seniors.

Policy Paper

Poland

URL

"Only 28% of Polish seniors feel safe online, and nearly half fear irreversible mistakes when using digital tools."

Internet Use and Attitudes Toward Digital Technologies in Poland

2021

CBOS - Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej

National public opinion study emphasizing the role of psychological barriers, digital fear, and lack of trust among older Polish users. Matches WP2’s barrier identification strand.

Survey Report

Poland

URL

“More than 50% of Polish seniors distrust digital services, especially in banking and healthcare.”

Digital and Social Exclusion in Poland

2021

Fundacja Orange

National NGO report highlighting fears, social exclusion risks, and the role of trust-building in digital environments. Matches WP2’s psychological and usability barrier focus.

Research Report

Poland

URL

“Poland must expand flexible and accessible adult learning opportunities to enable digital transitions for seniors.”

Digital Transformation of Adult Learning and Skills in Poland

2021

OECD

Strong analytical basis for WP2’s lifelong learning and upskilling strategy; advocates integration of flexible training, micro-credentials, and community-based models.

International Report

Poland

URL

“We urgently need to address the growing digital gender gap and put digital technology to work for those who need it most: the vulnerable, the marginalized, those living in poverty, and people suffering from discrimination of all kinds.”

DIGITAL INCLUSION IN ADULT LEARNING PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

2021

International Training Center (ILO)

This paper confirms that digital technologies, together with their much-studied potential for innovation, can also introduce new exclusion dynamics and exacerbate the problems of marginalised groups, especially in the present situation of social distancing and online learning brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pubblication

North Macedonia

URL

,,Digitalization of public services and the use of ICT can support the democratization, transparency, and accountability of governments. These, together with the expansion of broadband access and implementation of 5G networks, can lead to increased digitalization of the society which “leaves no one behind”.

DIGITALIZATION AND DIGITAL SKILLS OF CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES

2021

Macedonia2025

The main aim is that the analysis serves as the basis for designing policies and promotion of measures for speeding up digitalization. In addition, the analysis offers recommendations and gives directionsfor the advancement of digital skills for companies and the general population.

Analysis

North Macedonia

URL

,,Digitalskills allow people to generate and share digital content, connect and cooperate, and address challenges for effective and creative realization in private and professional life".

DIGITAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

2021

Dr. Aleksandra Nakjeva Ruzhin, Mrs Rozalinda Stojova and Ms Viktoriia Savitska and Ministry of Information Society and Administration of North Macedonia

Report within the framework of the ITU Regional Initiative for Europe on “Accessibility, affordability and skills development for all to ensure digital inclusion and sustainable development”.

Report

North Macedonia

URL

"The data call for actions in three priority main areas [...] digital inclusion/access of older people, women not in employment or in disadvantaged conditions, immigrants, people with disabilities​ and disadvantaged groups with a low level of education"

National Strategy for Digital Skills

2020

Dipartimento per la trasformazione digitale

Although published in 2020, this foundational document outlines Italy's commitment to enhancing digital competencies across all age groups, including the elderly. It serves as a basis for subsequent initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide.

Website

Italy

URL

"Lifelong learning throughout the entire life course is becoming increasingly important, especially in relation to the profound changes taking place in our society"

Invecchiamento attivo e condizioni di vita degli anziani in Italia

2020

ISTAT

The volume offers a diachronic perspective on active aging, also providing thematic insights and analyses on various indicators.

Article

Italy

URL

“Poland underperforms in AAI indicators for lifelong learning and community participation among older adults.”

Active Ageing Index Country Reports: Poland and Comparative Overview

2020

European Commission & UNECE

Key reference aligning DigComp skills with AAI indicators. Supports WP2’s benchmarking and survival skills mapping objectives.

Analytical Report

Poland

URL

"With digitalisation, deepening globalisation and population ageing, the world of work is changing. The extent to which individuals, firms and economies can harness the benefits of these changes critically depends on the readiness of adult learning systems to help people develop relevant skills for this changing world of work"

Getting Skills Right: Future-Ready Adult Learning Systems

2019

OECD Publishing

This report presents the key results from the Priorities for Adult Learning (PAL) Dashboard which facilitates comparisons between countries along seven dimensions of the readiness of adult learning systems to address future skill challenges. Based on the dashboard, the report highlights in which areas action is needed, and policy examples from OECD and emerging countries throughout the report illustrate how these actions could be implemented.

Book

North Macedonia

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While there are no accurate and reliable data on digital learning in continuing VET, there are some examples of good practice.

DIGITAL AND ONLINE LEARNING IN CONTINUING VET

2018

Valentina Taseva, CEO of SEMOS Education

Digital factsheet with support of ETF

DIGITAL FACTSHEET

North Macedonia

URL

"The relationship between the younger generations and digital technologies seems natural to them, intuitive. For their part, however, older people see their relationship with these same technologies as more forced, more artificial. Despite advanced training, the vast majority of our respondents have limited digital literacy skills. Problem-solving often requires recourse to trusted individuals considered experts, the latter generally being the initiators or referents (children, friends, etc.). (...) The example of the tax return mentioned above is not just a matter of social exclusion. It also highlights, more or less subtly, what we refer to as the digital imperative, using Axel Honneth's terminology. It's a feeling of obligation linked to the use of digital technologies. The subject, through institutional, media and social pressure, tends to develop uses in maintenance, or even social integration. "

Seniors' digital experience: issues and challenges and limits of technological solutionism

2017

Eloria Vigouroux-Zugasti (University of Bordeaux)

The work presented here is a doctoral thesis

Scientific paper

France

URL

González Martínez, M. (2016). Use of ICTs in older adults and active aging.

Use of ICTs in older adults and active aging

2016

María González Martínez

This paper analyzes how a lack of digital literacy in older adults can affect their physical, psychological, and social health, highlighting the importance of promoting digital inclusion for active aging.

Research work

Spain

URL

"A direct relationship was observed between the use of technologies and cultural level, and an inverse relationship with age."

Older adults who are frequent users of Information and Communication Technology: profile analysis TOG+3 Magazine

2015

Rakel Poveda-Puente, Sacramento Pinazo Hernandis, José Vicente Pérez-Cosín y Juan Manuel Belda Lois

Analysis of the profile of older adults who are regular users of ICTs and their relationship with sociodemographic factors.

Article

Spain

URL

"One of the main recommendations arising from this study is precisely that e‐Inclusion should not focus on access to ICT, but especially on operational skills and more advanced forms of digital literacy, offering support to those groups at risk of being marginalized in this process, especially the elderly "

Media Literacy for Older People facing the Digital Divide: The e-Inclusion Programmes Design

2014

Leopoldo Abad

This research papaer is based on the fact that the Europe population is aging. Given this situation and the omnipresence of new technologies in everyday life, the use of Internet and ICT for older people is essential. The latest report by IMSERSO shows that only 15.6% of people aged be tween 65 and 74 connected to the Internet in the 3-month period measured. The data seem to show that there is a generational digital divide to be overcome. The studies that have addressed this issue have focused more on regional and specific aspects of the relationship between age and Internet use intensity, and these studies use age ranges as criteria.

Research Paper

North Macedonia

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"Age-related changes in visual, perceptual,motor, and cognitive abilities, coupledwith poor design, are some of the majorbarriers to older adults’ learning and use ofcomputers and the Internet."

Older adults, computers, and the Internet : Future directions

2003

Bo Xie University of Texas at Austin

This article reviews existing literature on older adults’ interactions with computers and the Internet, and proposes questions and directions for future gerontechnology research. The first section of this paper briefly reviews existing human factors research on older adults’ interactions with computers and the Internet.

Article

North Macedonia

URL