Investigating the multifaceted role of warm experts in enhancing and hindering older adults’ digital skills in Finland

Bibliographic Data

ID11423970
AuthorsViivi Korpela (0000-0001-7907-8895, University of Jyväskylä, corresponding author), Laura Pajula (0000-0003-1538-4169, University of Jyväskylä), Riitta Hänninen (0000-0001-5455-2802, University of Jyväskylä)
Year2024
Volume43
Issue5
Pages509-522
Publication date2024-09-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Lifelong Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0260-1370 • E-ISSN: 1464-519X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02601370.2024.2353176
OpenAlexW4397049433
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited54

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 ( 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

Medical education · Pedagogy · Sociology · Aging and Gerontology Research · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Medicine · Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults

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