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Exploring Digital Engagement in Later Life: A Qualitative Study of Older Adults in Library-Based Digital Inclusion Programs
Jönköping University, School of Health and Welfare, HHJ, Institute of Gerontology.
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE creditsStudent thesisAlternative title
Att utforska digitalt engagemang i senare livsskeden : En kvalitativ studie av äldre i biblioteksbaserade program för digital inkludering (Swedish)
Abstract [en]

As digital technologies become increasingly involved to everyday life, older adults often face barriers that limit their digital participation, including low digital literacy, limited access, and usability challenges. This qualitative study investigates how older adults (65+) attending a municipal library’s digital inclusion program in east-central Sweden perceive and adapt to digital technologies. Through semi-structured interviews with ten participants and reflexive thematic analysis, the study explores the factors contributing to their digital literacy, how they integrate technology into their daily lives, and the perceived impact on their well-being. Findings reveal that prior experience, learning preferences, and social support play key roles in shaping digital engagement. While participants reported increased confidence, autonomy, and social connectivity, ongoing challenges, such as technology anxiety and limited motivation, continue to hinder inclusion. The study highlights the importance of social supportive, community-based digital inclusion programs designed to older adults’ needs and emphasizes the dynamic interaction between digital competence, adaptation, and well-being. 

Abstract [sv]

I takt med att digital teknik blir en allt mer integrerad del av vardagslivet möter äldre personer ofta hinder som begränsar deras digitala delaktighet, inklusive låg digital kompetens, begränsad tillgång och användbarhetsproblem. Denna kvalitativa studie undersöker hur äldre vuxna (65+) som deltar i ett kommunalt biblioteks digitala inkluderingsprogram i östcentrala Sverige uppfattar och anpassar sig till digital teknik. Genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med tio deltagare och reflexiv tematisk analys utforskar studien vilka faktorer som bidrar till deras digitala kompetens, hur tekniken integreras i deras vardag samt upplevd påverkan på välbefinnandet. Resultaten visar att tidigare erfarenheter, individuella lärpreferenser och socialt stöd spelar en avgörande roll i hur äldre engagerar sig digitalt. Deltagarna rapporterade ökat självförtroende, självständighet och social samhörighet, men kvarstående utmaningar som teknikrädsla och låg motivation fortsätter att försvåra inkludering. Studien belyser vikten av socialt stödjande, gemenskapsbaserade digitala inkluderingsprogram utformade efter äldres behov och betonar det dynamiska samspelet mellan digital kompetens, anpassning och välbefinnande.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 39
Keywords [en]
digital literacy, digital inclusion, digital engagement, community-based programs, older adults, digital technology
National Category
Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences Other Educational Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-68468OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-68468DiVA, id: diva2:1968935
Subject / course
HHJ, Gerontology
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2025-06-16 Created: 2025-06-13 Last updated: 2025-10-13Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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