Older adults’ reasons to participate in digital skills learning: An interdisciplinary, multiple case study from Austria, Finland, and Germany

Kaisa Pihlainen, Anja Ehlers, Rebekka Rohner, Katerina Cerna, Eija Kärnä, Moritz Hess, Lisa Hengl, Lotta Aavikko, Susanne Frewer-Graumann, Vera Gallistl, Claudia Müller

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Journal article

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technologies and their increasing application in many areas of everyday life challenge all citizens to continuously learn digital skills. This also applies to older adults, among whom digital literacy is on average less well-developed than among younger adults. This article investigates why retired older adults participate in opportunities to learn digital skills. Multiple case design with both qualitative and quantitative methods was used to include the views of older adults from Austria, Finland, and Germany. The results of this interdisciplinary study indicated individual, social and technical reasons for their participation in digital skills training. Practical implications and recommendations for future studies are suggested.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)101-119
Number of pages19
JournalStudies in the Education of Adults
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Older adults
  • digital skills
  • multiple case study
  • participation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science

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