JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Older adults constitute the largest proportion of non-users of the internet. With the increasing digitalisation of services and the need to avert digital exclusion, it is important to identify what interventions are effective at reducing digital exclusion in older adults.

Objective:

to assess the effectiveness of interventions to address digital exclusion in older adults (≥ 60 years of age).

Methods:

Searches were conducted in November 2023 across a range of databases and supplementary search methods were also utilised. Searches were limited to comparative studies published in the English language from 2018 onwards. The data were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach.

Results:

Twenty-one studies (3 randomised controlled trials, 10 non-randomised controlled studies, and 8 uncontrolled before and after studies) were included in the rapid review. None of the included studies specifically aimed to reduce digital exclusion, but instead aimed to increase a range of digital literacy skills. Intervention approaches varied considerably and were multicomponent. Some interventions also included an intergenerational component (n=4), were incorporated into existing services (n=3), or created tailored computer software (n=2). One intervention incorporated an online game, and one intervention specifically aimed to teach participants to detect online deception. There is evidence to suggest that interventions aimed to address a range of physical, personal and perceptual barriers as well as improving peoples’ skills and knowledge can improve older adults’ digital literacy and perceived self-efficacy, reduce technophobia, and increase use of technology. However, all studies contained some methodological limitations and may not be adequately powered to determine effectiveness.

Conclusions:

The evidence shows the potential benefits of interventions aimed at improving a range of digital skills and increasing technology use in older adults, which could help to address digital exclusion. However, there is a lack of high quality evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to address digital exclusion in older adults. Further good quality research with robust evaluation is needed. Consideration should also be given to those who do not wish to engage with the online world to ensure they are not left behind.