Education & upskilling

2.4.6 Digital literacy

Education and upskilling in technology skills, or digital literacy, are increasingly critical life skills, particularly for older adults, because it is predictive of health service utilization and social inclusion.

Digital literacy is essential for accessing telehealth services, managing electronic patient portals, and finding reliable health information online, which is vital for chronic disease management and preventative care. Adults without the skills to use these tools are often unable to manage complex health regimens, leading to delayed care and poorer outcomes. Furthermore, digital connectivity significantly mitigates social isolation by enabling communication with family and participation in online communities (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).

Effective interventions focus on functional, application-based learning tailored to the needs of different age groups, rather than generic software instruction. For working-age adults, upskilling integrates digital tools necessary for career mobility (e.g., using data analysis software, collaboration platforms), which directly increases income and economic stability. For older adults, interventions tend to focus specifically on skills needed for health management, for example using a tablet for video calls with doctors, setting up medication reminders, and accessing health records. These programs are most successful when they employ peer-to-peer mentoring and use accessible interfaces to build confidence, thereby overcoming the significant psychological barrier of technophobia often experienced by this demographic (Czaja et al., 2019).

Health Sector: Large healthcare providers and insurance companies can invest in patient education technology hubs in community settings, staffing them with trainers to teach patients how to navigate their specific digital health tools, like electronic health records (EHRs) and patient apps. This investment directly improves patient engagement, reduces administrative burdens, and decreases healthcare costs over time by promoting timely, preventative care.

Technology Companies: Technology and telecommunications companies can address the access barrier by offering subsidized or free internet access and low-cost devices bundled with tailored digital literacy training packages for low-income and elderly populations.

Education and Training Sector: Finally, the education and training sector, including specialized ed-tech firms, can collaborate with employers and public health agencies to develop certified curricula that link digital skills directly to health outcomes. This involves creating modular courses that teach skills like assessing the credibility of online health sources, understanding data privacy in fitness trackers, and using financial technology for healthcare budgeting.

By making digital proficiency a formal component of adult education and workforce development, the private sector helps ensure that all adults possess the necessary tools to navigate the modern world, protecting their economic security and extending their period of healthy, independent living (OECD, 2019).