Empowering Older Adults Through Digital Training Activities: Experiences from Hong Kong

Older people are the generation forgotten by technological development trends. They faced many challenges, but not much support was given to them. The significant challenges include limitations in skills and knowledge, lack of social support, and physical and cognitive impairments. By interviewing 150 older adults and youth volunteers in Hong Kong who participated in the digital inclusion programmes from May 2022 to June 2023, this qualitative study examined the older participants’ participation in the digital training classes and technological-related intergenerational interactive activities. It was found that older participants enrolled in training courses found new meaning in life and fulfilment. Participants managed to get through their hesitations and embrace the digital world because of the welcoming environment the staff members created. Nevertheless, they generally had poorer memory about the operational skills and functions of mobile devices and applications. Thus, they craved continuous support from others in the community. Moreover, intergenerational dialogue and engagement promoted intergenerational understanding, support, and encouragement. Participants acknowledged the possibility of significant interactions and society with greater diversity and reported happiness with the collaborations. It is recommended that human service providers and technological designers should teach beyond applications and go for the holistic operational logic of the gadgets for older learners, provide more intensive and immersive support for their continuous learning, and empower them through more cohesive intergenerational interactions, from which they could gain technological knowledge and insights from the young people.