Digital competencies among the greying population: a scoping review

Abstract

Trends in emerging technologies, generative artificial intelligence and the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools necessitated certain skills for successful use. However, individuals, including greying, older adults find themselves at the periphery of the technological revolution. Their predicaments are caused by personal fears, unwillingness to use technologies, declining health conditions, disinterest, inability to transfer skills, competencies, and lack of knowledge and skills to use technologies. All these contribute to a gap referred to as the grey digital divide – a term referred to struggles older adults encounter in their digital technologies use. This inhibits access to vital information. Enhancing digital competence can support older adults to apply digital skills and knowledge in practical situations, which, in turn, can improve technology use and inclusiveness in the present technological era. This study used a scoping review where peer-reviewed articles were selected from databases. The literature revealed the need to build digital competencies among the greying population through sustainable digital literacy training, transferable skills, design of easy-to-use technologies suitable for older people with both cognitive and physical decline as well as policy for their digital inclusion.