Joana

As the DigitalScouts project reaches its conclusion, the final newsletter has been prepared and shared, offering a reflection on the journey, the milestones that were achieved, and the resources that have been developed to promote digital inclusion for older adults. The Toolkit for Trainers can be explored, the e-learning platform can be accessed, and real-life stories can be discovered in the Compendium of Good Practices.Meaningful results were made possible thanks to the support and contributions that were received.  The final newsletter can be read here: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DIGITAL-SCOUTS_Newsletter-3.pdf

On the Romanian National Report there are available findings from research focused on the digital participation of people 60+, including readiness, support structures, professionalization of supporters and examples of opportunities.   The report highlights a nuanced scenario for Romania. While the nation boasts impressive connectivity achievements, with a substantial 57% adoption of high-speed fixed broadband and a notable 87% coverage of ultra-capable networks, its digital proficiency lags behind European averages. With only 28% possessing basic digital skills compared to the EU’s 54%, and a mere 9% displaying advanced digital competencies against the EU’s 26%.  The older generation in Romania displays an active involvement in the digital sphere. Approximately 58% engage in reading digital news, 38% seek health-related information, and 31% find enjoyment through platforms like YouTube and online radio.  However, the report identifies areas for enhancement. Merely 2.1% of pensioners engage in online consultations or participate in civic and political activities such as signing petitions. Similarly, only 4% use the internet to schedule doctor’s appointments, and 7% for online banking, including mobile options.   To delve deeper into the findings from Romania we invite you to explore the Romanian National Report: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DigitalScouts_National_Report_Romania.pdf

In the Netherlands, 60% of individuals with limited formal education exhibit basic or above basic digital skills and a remarkable 93% of those with higher formal education showcase the same level of proficiency. A collaborative effort led by the Dutch partners of DigitalScouts has yielded profound insights into the technological landscape for older adults and digital skills. The study also focused on the support structures nurturing digital engagement among the older population and on the possibilities of the professionalization of ICT-based support for this group. The report delved into the complex interplay of socio-economic factors on digital competence. The findings reveal that digital skills are influenced not only by educational background but also by employment status and geographical location. Furthermore, The Netherlands emerges as a shining example of digital literacy. It holds an impressive rank among European nations, trailing only Iceland and sharing its heights with Norway and Finland. An impressive 79% of Dutch citizens aged 16 to 74 boast basic or advanced digital skills. This positioning aligns the Netherlands closely with the European Commission’s ambitious objective of achieving 80% digital proficiency by 2030. To know all findings from The Netherlands we invite you to explore the Dutch National Report: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DigitalScouts_WP2_NL_National_Report_V3.pdf

The research efforts of DigitalScouts have unveiled insights into the digital landscape of older individuals and the support structures available to enhance their digital skills across partner countries. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving realm of digital literacy among the older population. Analysing Austria’s digital scene in 2021, the data reveals that 76% of men aged 65-74 were active internet users, while women in the same age group showed a slightly lower rate of 57%. Despite this gender gap, impressive numbers are shown of internet adoption among older age groups. In 2022, a noteworthy 90% of individuals aged 55-64 engaged with the internet within the past year. The growth is equally remarkable among those aged 65-74. In 2012, a mere 38% of this age group accessed the internet in the last three months. By 2022, this figure had impressively risen to 70%. DigitalScouts remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals enthusiastic about guiding older adults on their digital journeys. The organization aims to harness the potential of digital technology to enrich the lives of older generations. https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DigitalScouts_National_Report_Austria.pdf

The collective efforts of the DigitalScouts team have yielded a exploration into the digital landscapes of the partner countries. The focus has been on comprehending the digital preparedness of older people demographics and the broader national technological infrastructure. It also involved the examination of support frameworks for digital engagement, as well as a nuanced exploration of the professionalization of ICT-based support for seniors. A detailed analysis of Germany’s research findings has yielded significant revelations. Household composition, notably, emerges as a crucial factor shaping trends in internet usage. It appears that solo dwellers exhibit relatively lower levels of internet engagement. Furthermore, regional variance plays a role, with a substantial 83% of individuals above 60 accessing the internet in Western Germany, compared to 72% in the Eastern region. Also, a direct correlation between age and internet use has been discerned. The younger the age, the higher the likelihood of being active online. Specifically, individuals aged 60-69 demonstrate a substantial 92% engagement, those aged 70-79 show an 82% involvement, and even among those aged 80 and above, a notable 51% exhibit varying degrees of interaction with digital platforms and internet services. Moreover, gender disparities in internet usage among the 60 and above demographic are worthy of mention. Men in this age group exhibit a higher internet usage rate at 86%, while women follow suit with a rate of 77%. The study has also unveiled a noteworthy insight: among those who abstain from internet use, a significant portion pertains to vulnerable groups grappling with health-related issues. For a more in-depth exploration of the discoveries from Germany, we welcome you to delve into the German National Report: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigitalScouts_National_Report_Germany.pdf

The collaborative effort of DigitalScouts partners has culminated in an in-depth investigation into the partner’s country’s digital landscape, focusing on the digital readiness of older individuals and the nation’s infrastructure. This endeavour encompasses an exploration of support structures for digital engagement, insights into the professionalization of ICT-based support for older adults, and more. The central goal of this research is twofold: not only to create a European Compendium spotlighting instances of how older generations can harness digital tools for enhanced health, cultural enrichment, political involvement, and social connectivity but also to create tailored digital training initiatives that cater precisely to their unique requirements. Among the significant revelations, it’s noteworthy that mobile phone internet expenses in Portugal currently rank as the second highest across the European Union. Telecommunication costs within Portugal have observed a notable 2% average uptick over the past year, significantly surpassing the European Union’s 0.1% average escalation. Consequently, Portugal not only finds itself among the EU nations experiencing the most pronounced price surges but also contends with some of the highest service fees. Moreover, our research underscores the profound link between digital proficiency among individuals aged 55-74 and their educational backgrounds in Portugal. While 9% of those with limited education possess rudimentary or more advanced digital skills, this statistic jumps to 55% for individuals with moderate educational backgrounds, and to an impressive 73% for those with high levels of education. To delve deeper into the findings from Portugal, we invite you to explore the Portuguese National Report: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigitalScouts_National_Report_Portugal.pdf

We invite you to explore our leaflet, created to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of DigitalScouts. Within its pages, you will find information about who we are, our project objectives, the results we aim to deliver, and our target group. https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Leaflet-DigitalScouts_EN_Interactive.pdf

DigitalScouts officially kicked off in Gouda, the Netherlands, on January 19th and 20th, marking the launch of this new Erasmus+ project. This new project is coordinated by ISIS (Germany), and the other partners are SHINE 2Europe (Portugal), the BerufsWege für Frauen e.V. (Germany), the AFEdemy, Academy on Age-Friendly Environments in Europe (the Netherlands), the Asociatia Grupul de Educatie si Actiune pentru Cetatenie (Romania) and the Austrian Red Cross (Austria).  DigitalScouts seeks to empower older adults in their use of digital tools, promoting opportunities for health and wellness while fostering greater social, cultural, and political engagement.  From December 2022 to July 2025, the DigitalScouts team will develop an European Compendium, showcasing successful examples from participating countries on how older adults can benefit from using digital tools. As part of this effort, DigitalScouts’ Training Program will qualify “digital scouts” to help older adults embrace the digital age with confidence. The self-learning course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge on the diverse possibilities of digital participation and health promotion, enabling digital scouts to provide personalized support based on individual interests.  The project’s Toolkit for Trainers ensures that adult educators can seamlessly integrate DigitalScouts’ training into blended learning environments.  

You can now download the first DigitalScouts press release: https://digitalscouts.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DS_press-release_1.pdf