Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

As Canada's population ages, older adults increasingly need digital technology to access services, manage healthcare, and stay connected. However, barriers such as limited access, low digital skills, and financial or social challenges prevent many from fully participating in today's digital world. A 2024 research review revealed a critical gap: no consistent definition of "digital literacy" for older adults. While some studies focus on practical skills like operating devices, others emphasize broader uses such as improving safety, fostering social connections, or managing information. Without a universal definition, designing effective programs and policies is difficult. This project addresses the gap by developing a standardized digital literacy framework through collaboration with older adults, community groups, healthcare providers, researchers, and other experts. Online surveys and focus groups with underrepresented older populations will explore their definitions of digital literacy and technology experiences. A one-day hybrid event in Toronto, Ontario, will bring stakeholders together to develop and validate the framework using the Delphi method, ensuring all voices are heard and a broad consensus is reached. The finalized definition will guide strategies to improve policies and programs promoting digital inclusion. By tackling the challenges older adults face, the project aims to bridge the digital divide, empower them to use digital tools confidently, and foster a more inclusive society. Findings will be shared widely to inspire community and government action, creating lasting benefits for Canada's aging population.