Digitalisation, physical activity, and learning
Three levers to promote older adults’ well-being and reduce their risk of social exclusion
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21498547 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anna Zenarolla (0000-0001-5487-6313, University of Trieste, Trieste, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 301-316 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social Work Practice (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0265-0533 • E-ISSN: 1465-3885 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/02650533.2026.2657965 |
| OpenAlex | W7160939460 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
Despite the growing diffusion of the Internet and information and communication technologies (ICT) among the general population, only a small proportion of older adults actively use them, although their significant potential to enhance physical, psychological, and social well-being. Consequently, ICT may exacerbate the pre-existing risk of social exclusion among older adults, particularly those living in rural or remote areas. This article presents the results of an innovative project in a mountainous area of one of Italy’s most aged regions, aimed at fostering healthy and active ageing among older adults through the integrated promotion of health, social engagement, and digital learning—three interdependent components, each essential to well-being but insufficient on their own. The findings are based on a study involving the administration of an evaluation questionnaire to 61 older participants, along with three semi-structured interviews with project coordinators and trainers, offering recommendations on the role that social work can play in promoting ICT use among older adults as a means of health promotion and reducing their risk of social exclusion
Older people · Physical activity · Social exclusion · Social isolation · Older Adults Driving Studies · Physical Activity and Health · Technology Use by Older Adults
Overcoming the digital divide with a modern approach to learning digital skills for the elderly adults
Psychosocial Links Between Internet Use and Mental Health in Later Life
Towards bridging the grey digital divide
Barriers and facilitators to the use of e-health by older adults
The grey digital divide and welfare state regimes
Older adults and ICT adoption
Lifelong learning activities for older adults
Improving the digital skills of older adults in a Covid-19 pandemic environment
Digital Media Domestication and Job Paths Among Older People
At risk of exclusion? Degrees of ICT access and literacy among senior citizens
A review of research on the relationship between learning and health for older adults
The Gray Digital Divide in Social Networking Site Use in Europe
Older adults’ reasons to participate in digital skills learning
Motivation matters
Perceived benefits from non-formal digital training sessions in later life
Participation in learning and wellbeing among older adults
Overcoming age barriers
The effects of learning on wellbeing for older adults in England
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |