A1 Journal article (refereed)
Investigating the multifaceted role of warm experts in enhancing and hindering older adults’ digital skills in Finland (2024)
Korpela, V., Pajula, L., & Hänninen, R. (2024). Investigating the multifaceted role of warm experts in enhancing and hindering older adults’ digital skills in Finland. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 43(5), 509-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2024.2353176
The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Korpela, Viivi; Pajula, Laura; Hänninen, Riitta
Journal or series: International Journal of Lifelong Education
ISSN: 0260-1370
eISSN: 1464-519X
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 19/05/2024
Volume: 43
Issue number: 5
Pages range: 509–522
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2024.2353176
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94992
Abstract
Despite widespread digitalization, certain marginal and societal groups can still encounter challenges in the digital world. Promoting digital inclusion and digital support aims to reduce these disparities and enable equal participation. In this article, we examine the quality and dynamics of informal learning and digital support provided by warm experts from the perspective of older adults’ subjective experiences. Specifically, we ask (1) what are the key elements of informal learning in the context of older adults’ acquisition of digital skills? Based on the first question, we further examine (2) how do the identified key elements of informal learning influence older adults’ subjective learning experiences and independent use of digital technologies? Our inductive thematic analysis is based on participant-induced elicitation (PIE) interviews (n = 21), conducted with older adults (aged 65+) in Finland in 2018. Our findings suggest that older adults are a heterogeneous group with different support needs and diverse prior experiences with digital technologies. Even when digital support from friends and family is available, it does not always facilitate independent use or meaningful learning experiences. The results show how informal digital support provided by warm experts can not only enhance, but also hinder digital inclusion and independent aging.
Keywords: older people; ageing; digital competence; digitalisation; involvement (participation); supporting; forms of support
Free keywords: older adults; warm expert; digital skills
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Towards socially inclusive digital society
- Taipale, Sakari
- Research Council of Finland
- Towards socially inclusive digital society: transforming service culture
- Taipale, Sakari
- Research Council of Finland
- Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care
- Taipale, Sakari
- Research Council of Finland
- Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care
- Taipale, Sakari
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
- School of Wellbeing (University of Jyväskylä JYU) JYU.Well
- Ethnology (Department of History and Ethnology HELA) ETN
- School of Resource Wisdom (University of Jyväskylä JYU) JYU.Wisdom
- Policies and Politics of Welfare and Care (focus area) (Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy YFI)
- Social and Public Policy (Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy YFI) YKP