Digital Literacy Program for Older Adults

An Experience Report

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging requires strategies that facilitate digital inclusion, promoting greater autonomy and quality of life for older adults. In this context, digital literacy stands out as a fundamental tool to minimize digital exclusion. Objective: To present a digital literacy program aimed at older adults to promote digital autonomy. Methodology: This is an experience report resulting from actions carried out in an extension project that offers a Digital Literacy Program for Older Adults. The extension activities took place between March and October 2024, structured in face-to-face group workshops with a participatory methodology based on group dynamics. A total of 34 older adults participated, organized into two groups, with the smartphone as the central tool. Results: Ten workshops were conducted for each group, covering a variety of topics, ranging from basic functions, settings, use of social networks, various applications, and digital security. Progressive improvement in smartphone use, greater confidence in the use of Information and Communication Digital Technologies (ICTs), expansion of social interactions, and reduced perception of isolation were observed. It is worth noting that adherence exceeded 80% participation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the methodology adopted. Conclusion: Learning to use mobile devices was optimized, thereby promoting participants’ autonomy and social inclusion. The results reaffirm the importance of initiatives such as the one developed here, which address social demands. Furthermore, the findings highlight the urgent need for public policies and programs that encourage the development of digital skills among the elderly population.