老年人的数字技能（英）

27 October 2025 Key messages • Many seniors remain excluded from the digital transition. Persistent gaps in digital skills limit older adults’ ability to access healthcare, financial services, public administration, social connections. This exclusion can reduce autonomy, increase isolation, and create barriers to civic participation. Without targeted efforts to close these gasps – particularly for women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds – seniors risk being left behind as digital tools become the default for everyday. • Traditional training models frequently fail to meet the needs of older learners. Digital skills programmes designed for the general population often overlook the specific needs of seniors. As a result, older learners disengage early or struggle to retain essential skills. Without age-sensitive design, even well-resources initiatives risk underperformance, potentially widening rather than narrowing the digital divide. • Tailored approaches can significantly improve participation and results. Adapting programmes to seniors’ realities – through flexible registration, accessible materials, personalised support, and practical content – makes learning more relevant and effective. Grouping participants by skill level and offering patient, step-by-step instruction fosters greater engagement. Incorporating real-life tasks such as making video calls, booking appointments, or recognising online scams, further increases motivation and supports long-term retention. • Successful programmes depend on accessible design and skilled trainers. Effective delivery requires skilled trainers, clear visual materials, and supportive environments. Trainers must be able to simplify complex concepts, adjust to diverse needs, and foster trust. Materials should feature large fonts, high-contrast visuals, and plain, straightforward language. Programmes that invest in trainer preparation and age-appropriate content achieve stronger learning outcomes and increased confidence among participants – especially when combined with ongoing feedback and flexible delivery formats. • Making progress means moving from principles to practice. Advancing digital inclusion for seniors requires translating guidance into concrete, context-specific actions – whether through national strategies, pilot programmes, or local partnerships. This means considering long-term support structures, integrating digital skills into broader ageing policy, and learning from what works on the ground. Digital skills for seniors: Key steps for effective training programmes 2  DIGITAL SKILLS FOR SENIORS: KEY STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES © OECD 2025 What’s the issue? Seniors face significant barriers to digital participation, which can restrict their access to essential services, social networks and equitable opportunities for civic engagement. Persistent generational gaps in digital skills, often varying across countries, mean that many older adults are effectively e