This module will enable older adults to become familiar with Digital literacy and using online services and tools on the Internet. It will guide them in how to locate information on the internet that is both reliable and accurate. Older adults will learn how to build their digital literacy, for Digital Citizenship, to enable them to participate fully in this digital world and gain access to valuable opportunities available through the Internet. 
Many daily activities are taking place online. Through developing digital literacy skills, seniors can take advantage of tools to manage their finances, shop online, and communicate with people around the world via email and social media. 
The module will also help seniors build digital resilience. Going online can be incredibly informative and enjoyable but can involve both positive and negative experiences: respectful communication online. Finally, seniors will gain knowledge about their online rights and privacy in an online environment, to carefully consider the consequences of their Digital Footprint.

Internet Communications technology (ICT) has become integral to daily life. However, millions of senior citizens struggle to navigate the internet. As technology advances, some older people are falling further and further behind when it comes to ICT competencies. Accessibility barriers, harmful misinformation, and increasingly sophisticated scams are only some of the issues that the elderly face online. In these situations, it is critical to build digital literacy for senior citizens and work toward a more equitable digital world.

What is Digital Literacy and why is it important?

Digital literacy refers to a particular set of competencies that allow you to function and participate fully in a digital world. The term ‘Digital Literacy’ is used as an overarching term for referring to ‘digital skills’ or ‘digital capabilities’.

Digital Literacy is an umbrella term which refers to a person’s knowledge, skills, and behaviors within a digital environment.  People exercise these capabilities on an everyday basis using the Internet, social media and devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Digital Literacy is seen as crucial in the 21st century for employment, life-long learning and for academic study.

How can Digital Literacy help seniors?

Digital literacy can greatly benefit seniors by enabling them to stay connected with loved ones, access important information and services online, and engage in lifelong learning. 
It can also provide opportunities for entertainment, creativity, and independence. Seniors can learn digital skills through community programs, senior centers, online courses, or with the help of family and friends.

Why Senior Citizens Need Digital Literacy?

Although more people are using the internet every year, elderly people often face significant challenges when adopting new technology.  In the EU28, 37% of 65–74-year-olds have never been on the internet, and in Britain this is just 16%, compared to 55% in Ireland. 
While the percentage of those aged 65-74 who have never used the internet has steadily fallen in the EU28 by 25 percentage points from 2009 to 2018, in Ireland this rate has fallen by only 4 percentage points at the same time. 
Digital literacy is important for seniors as it empowers them to navigate technology confidently. This includes safely managing personal data, understanding online resources, and being proficient in digital tools, which are vital skills in today’s tech-driven world.
A move to online services may make sense from a commercial point of view but it creates barriers for many older people who are unable to carry out their day-to-day business online or are wary of doing so. Hence, the need for Digital Literacy among seniors is of great importance.

Social connectivity: Digital technology makes it easy to stay in touch with friends, family, and work remotely, even if you are in another part of the world. Seniors can communicate by words, video, audio, and exchange other media. Websites, apps, and software have all been created to help users to socialize. 
Social media, messaging, texting, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, mean that nobody need feel isolated in the digital world. Users can be regularly updated with news on local events and social happenings.

Communication Speeds: Internet speeds have increased exponentially since the early days of dial-up internet. Ever faster broadband enables the transfer of large amounts of information across the web almost instantaneously, making it possible to stream video and audio in real-time, send large data files, and access data from virtually anywhere in the world. Traditional media communication can take much longer

Versatile working: The nature of work has been transformed by digital technology. Increased connectivity options mean that many people now have far more opportunities for working from home, as remote working becomes increasingly common. 
Many jobs can now be done from hundreds, or even thousands of miles away without difficulty. Without the need for all workers to be present in the same building, many other flexible working practices are now possible.

Learning Opportunities: Anybody with access to the internet now has access to a huge proportion of the world's knowledge over the web. Lessons and courses can now be delivered virtually online. Communication advances mean that you can now easily communicate with most of the world's population and learn directly from sources. For example, if you are trying to understand foreign events, or learning a new language. Digital technology can also be easier to use for people with disabilities and can give them equal access.

Information storage: Digital technology enables the storage of massive amounts of information in relatively small spaces. Large amounts of media, such as photos, music, videos, contact information, and other documents can be carried around on small devices like mobile phones. As well as physical locations, data can also be stored online, enabling it to be accessed from any device which has internet access.

Reliable duplication: One of the great things about digital technology is that it enables the exact duplication of media. For instance, you can write a work report and email it to multiple recipients, or you can distribute multiple copies of photos to family and friends. Breakthroughs in technology are now happening in the field of 3D printing, which looks set to radically transform our world.

GPS and Mapping (e.g. Google Maps): Finding your way around used to involve referring to a paper map, but digital combined with satellite technology has transformed travel. GPS services can now pinpoint your position accurately, update you on traffic jams and road closures in real-time, and give you lots of up-to-date information such as time of arrival at your destination, as well as alternative routes.

Transportation: Many trains and airplanes already rely to an extent on digital technology. Road vehicles, such as cars and trucks, will become fully automated in the not-too-distant future. Accessing timetables, as well as booking planes and trains now often takes place online.

Low cost: Aside from paying for an internet service and the basics like a modem, much of what the digital world offers can be accessed for free. Sending an email, communicating via a video link-up with family, and surfing the internet generally cost nothing.

Entertainment: The entire entertainment industry and the way that people amuse themselves has been radically transformed since the start of the internet revolution. Many people get their fun from online social media or playing computer games. Traditional media has evolved too, as television and broadcasting have become digitized, along with radio.

News: Increasing numbers of people get their news online, either via a website or social media. Even traditional news media, such as TV and radio, have been digitalized. People have more options for news sources than ever, and most of it is available 24 hours per day.

Banking and Finance: There's no doubt that digitalization has led to a revolution in financial matters. Online banking done either through a laptop, tablet, or phone app is now the norm. Bank users can now check their incoming and outgoing payments remotely, as well as arrange money transfers and bill payments