Activities to Encourage Older Adults’ Skills in the Use of Digital Technologies on the Example of Multigenerational Houses in Germany

Against the backdrop of demographic change and advancing digitalization, digital skills are indispensable for older adults. Nevertheless, using digital technologies is not a matter of course for this group. Due to their structures and regional networking, multigenerational houses (MGHs) are suitable platforms for promoting media skills for older adults. Training programs consisting of courses and media consultation hours for older adults to strengthen their digital skills were initiated and carried out in Bavarian MGHs. The aim was to understand better the mechanisms, potential, and challenges of promoting digital skills among older adults in MGHs. To this end, expert interviews were conducted with managers of seven selected MGHs in April 2023. The results show that older adults respond positively to the training programs and see considerable added value. Providing programs to promote media skills in MGHs can help to reduce the digital divide and enable older adults to participate better in a digitally shaped society.