Support digital inclusion through onboarding processes, device lending and technical support when deploying digital learning programmes with older adults¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The trial supported digital inclusion "through supporting onboarding processes and device lending": researchers provided initial training at the baseline visit, preloaded iPads, and made ad hoc technical support available. Staff highlighted that taking part enabled older adults facing high socioeconomic deprivation to learn digital skills, and recommended increasing device compatibility (mobile phones, TVs) to enhance reach. The authors caution that without such consideration, digital interventions risk compounding existing health inequalities.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Provision of devices and technical support, plus initial familiarisation training, for participants not confident with digital tools

Constraints¶

• The potential for digital exclusion remains an important consideration for wider implementation; the sample was predominantly white older women

Target Learners¶

• community-dwelling older adults, including those with low digital literacy or facing socioeconomic deprivation

Target Learning Goals¶

• digital skills for using health programmes
• sustained engagement with digital health education

Related Strategies¶

• Consider Socio-Cultural Factors
• Digital Literacy Instruction

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• French Chloe, Parchment Amelia, Odebiyi Bolanle, Shi Chunhu, Bashir Saima, Dowding Dawn, Kislov Roman, Thompson Alexander, Skelton Dawn A, Clarke Margaret, Sylvestre Garcia Yvonne, Ahmed Saima S, Todd Chris J, Bower Peter, Stanmore Emma. (2026). Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Keep-On-Keep-Up digital falls prevention programme in community-dwelling older adults: results of a randomised controlled trial. Age and Ageing. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag291