Recognizing the vital role of caregivers in this process, DIGIHALL developed a specific e-training course, available on the DIGIHALL platform and app, to equip caregivers and volunteers with the necessary knowledge and tools to act as mentors for older adults. Through this e-learning platform, caregivers and volunteers with prior digital knowledge could deepen their understanding of digital health technologies available in their country and learn effective methods for conveying this knowledge to older adults. Older adults often face barriers to adopting new technologies, as these are not integrated into their daily lives. DIGIHALL addressed this by building their confidence in managing health through digital and health literacy, enabling them to voice needs and co-create tools, platforms, and policies with healthcare providers. By providing accessible educational materials for caregivers and volunteers, DIGIHALL improved understanding and use of digital health tools among older adults, supported digital literacy in society, and fostered a more inclusive digital transformation in healthcare.
We applied for this project because demographic change and digital transformation are among the biggest challenges today. While longer life expectancy is positive, it also leads to chronic illnesses, multimorbidity, and a strained healthcare system. Innovative and inclusive solutions are needed. Digitalization can simplify processes, increase access to health knowledge, and empower informed health decisions. However, many older adults face a digital divide, limiting their ability to benefit from tools like Telemedicine, AAL systems, and Health Apps, which could enhance independence and quality of life. Through the DIGIHALL project, we addressed this gap by empowering older adults with digital literacy and understanding of health technologies. We developed innovative educational materials for caregivers and volunteers to make digital tools more accessible, improving physical and mental health and easing caregiver burdens. Our goal was to support older adults' autonomy and ensure they are included in the digital transformation, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system.