老年人的数字技能

Digitalskills forseniors: Keysteps foreffectivetrainingprogrammes 27October2025 Key messages •Many seniors remain excluded from the digital transition.Persistent gaps in digital skillslimit older adults’ ability to accesshealthcare, financial services, public administration, socialconnections. This exclusion can reduce autonomy, increase isolation, and create barriers tocivic participation. Without targeted effortsto close these gasps–particularly for women and •Traditional training modelsfrequently fail to meet the needs of older learners. Digital skillsprogrammes designed for the general population often overlook the specific needs of seniors.As a result, older learners disengage early or struggle to retain essential skills. Without •Tailoredapproaches can significantly improve participation and results.Adaptingprogrammesto seniors’realities–through flexible registration,accessible materials,personalised support, and practical content–makes learning more relevant and effective.Grouping participants by skill level and offering patient, step-by-step instructionfosters greater •Successful programmesdepend on accessible design and skilled trainers.Effectivedelivery requires skilledtrainers, clear visual materials, and supportive environments. Trainersmustbe able to simplify complex concepts, adjust to diverse needs, and foster trust. Materialsshouldfeature large fonts,high-contrast visuals,and plain,straightforward language. •Making progress means moving from principles to practice.Advancing digital inclusion forseniors requires translating guidance into concrete, context-specific actions–whether throughnational strategies, pilot programmes, or local partnerships. This means considering long-term What’s the issue? Seniors face significant barriers to digital participation, which can restrict their access to essentialservices,social networksand equitable opportunities for civic engagement. Persistent generationalgaps in digital skills, often varying across countries, mean that many older adults areeffectivelyexcludedfrom everyday activities such as healthcare, banking, and civic life.In 2022, for example,across OECDcountries, 98% ofindividualsaged 16-24 used theInternet, compared withonly81% ofthose aged55-74. Traditional training models often fail to address these challenges.Digital skills programmes aretypically designed with younger or already digitally active populations in mind, overlooking the slowerlearning pace, sensory limitations, or anxieties that many seniors experience. Curricula are often tootechnical, fast-paced, or abstract, leaving older learners discouraged and disengaged. Others maycomplete training but struggle to retain or apply skills without ongoing, age-appropriate support. This Why is this important? Addressing these barriers is critical because well-designed digital training programmes canempower seniors to use technology in ways that improve their daily lives.Training tailored to theirneeds builds confidence and supports everyday tasks–from video calls and booking appointments to Effective training for seniors requires adapting content, methods, and support to address commonage-related barriers.Challenges such as cognitive decline, sensory impairments, reduced mobility, andlimited digital experience are widespread. Training materials, instruction, and outreach must take these This policy brief provides actionable recommendations for developing and implementingeffectivedigitalskills training for older adults. Drawing on international experience and OECDanalysis(OECD, The brief examines key dimensions of programme design and delivery, highlighting practical stepsthat support more inclusive access, enhance learning experiences, and support sustained digitalengagement.These include:how seniors enter training, how they are matched to peers, how content is Simplifyingaccess: Senior-friendlyregistrationbuildsconfidence fromdayone A clear and accessible registration process builds seniors’ confidence and ensures they feelsupported from the outset. Prioritising simplicity, accessibility, and reassurance is key to lowering Offering multiple registration channels accommodates varyinglevels of digital access and comfort. Channelssuch asphone calls, postal communication, SMS, and email canhelpreach a broad audience.Printed invitations and follow-up callsare particularly importantforthose with limiteddigitalskills, while Providing early and structured logistical information further reduces anxiety and encouragesengagement.Clearly communicating session goals, schedule,locations, and any items participantsshouldbring–such as glasses or device chargers–helps participants prepare and sets a positive tone Appropriategroupingsupportseffectivelearning Thoughtful assessment and group placement determine whether seniors receive digital training atthe right level, directly influencing engagement, retention, and outcomes.When participants are Entry tests provide a practical way to dete