We want to combine the introduction to digital tools with the transmission of know-how, practices and experiences from older to younger people. Indeed, one of the most common feelings among seniors is that of feeling “obsolete” in relation to a world in perpetual motion. However, seniors have been active in life and in society and can still be active, among other things, through transmission and exchange. On a subject of their choice, the elderly are invited during the project to share a know-how or an experience in the form of a written and/or audio digital book (favourite recipes, gardening secrets, travel log, etc.). The aim is also to integrate a personal experience and feeling into a collective memory.
The objectives
- Introducing seniors to digital practice through the creation of digital books
- Engaging seniors in the digital world by positioning them as content creators
- Promote soft skills and digital competences among seniors and professionals/caregivers
- Create a climate of knowledge and skills exchange between seniors and professionals/caregivers
The targets
Seniors
Senior citizens form a heterogeneous group whose relationship with digital technology varies according to age, profile, context, etc. They represent an increasingly important part of European society (20.6% of the European population is now over 65 according to Eurostat). The report of the study on the digital exclusion of the elderly, published in 2018 by the French association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres reveals that “more than a quarter of people aged 60 and over are still in a situation of digital exclusion, and that this exclusion particularly affects the over-80s and the most precarious people”. Similarly, Eurostat figures show that in 2018, only 10% of the over 75s in EU Member States had connected to the internet in the last three months. Among the five main findings of this study, “Beyond the lack of mastery, it is the lack of interest that is the major obstacle for the over-60s who do not use the Internet.
Adult educators
Silver Books is primarily aimed at adult educators who provide training in the geriatric, health and social professions. Through the network of partners, we will focus on trainers of adults with few or no qualifications, in a situation of professional integration or retraining.
Professionals from the geriatric, health and social sector and volunteers
We also address all professionals and volunteers who work with the elderly and accompany them in their daily lives.
The activities
- Creation of an e-learning module for professionals/carers to develop their general and digital skills.
- Organisation of a series of workshops in the participating countries to create the “Silver books” collection, and promote reading in all its forms: written (with ebooks) and oral (with audio books).
- Drafting of an implementation guide for professionals and stakeholders.