Digital skills and training needs of people over 50

The project dealt with the needs and experiences of individuals aged 50+ in Switzerland in acquiring, maintaining and expanding digital skills and competences. The data were collected through a programme analysis of the existing training courses available in Switzerland from 2020 to 2022; 20 qualitative interviews with course participants about their experiences, needs and wishes for training offers; and a representative quantitative survey. The project also launched an online platform with a self-assessment tool for people interested in evaluating their digital skills and competences. The website lists continuously updated courses from different providers to simplify the search for courses.

Digitalisation and ageing populations are two current megatrends that are transforming societies globally. Digital technologies and applications offer great potential and advantages for individuals in everyday life. However, digital skills and competences are required in order to utilise these benefits. older people often face challenges, especially in accessing and using digital technologies and applications, compared to younger individuals. Longitudinal studies indicate that the “grey digital divide” can be – at least partly – attributed to generational effects, rather than age alone. Older people may also need special learning environments and formats to accommodate functional limitations, health problems or decreased learning speed.

The project aimed to empower individuals aged 50+ to improve their digital competences through targeted training programmes and resources. By identifying existing gaps in course offerings and understanding the needs of (potential) course attendees through qualitative and quantitative data, the aim was to foster greater digital inclusion and empowerment of older people. The study thus aimed to:

• Identify barriers for individuals aged 50+ regarding the acquisition of digital skills and competences
• Identify preferences, wishes and needs from the first-hand perspective of course participants
• Identify differences in digital skills and competences among people over 50 in Switzerland
• Formulate recommendations on how course providers can better reach potential course participants and design suitable courses for people over 50

This project underscored the critical role of tailor-made digitalisation courses in bridging the "grey digital divide”. The survey instrument for determining the digital skills and competences of older individuals, which was further developed on the basis of the European Commission’s established DigComp framework, has proven to be valid (pretests) and reliable (internal consistency). The instrument can therefore be used for future surveys and generate longitudinal or standardised comparable data.

Practical implications include the continuous updating of course offerings, the provision of supportive learning environments tailored to older adults' specific requirements and the suggestions set out in the factsheet, which developed out of the insights gained from the empirical data.

Three main messages

1. Course providers should design and offer more courses that target potential participants with little to moderate digital skills. Currently, courses are often designed either for total beginners or quite advanced audiences.
2. Course providers should adjust their course descriptions and make them better tailored and more accessible to people over 50 (i.e. with paper leaflets, not only online).
3. Course providers should offer various courses that are clearly anchored in different competence areas, especially for the areas of problem solving and content creation. Moreover, they should not only consider teaching digital skills, but also promote the participants’ self-efficacy and interest in technology.

Digital Skills and Training Needs of 50+. A Study Beyond the Digital Divide