In an increasingly digital world, equitable access to healthcare hinges on the ability of older adults to navigate and benefit from digital technologies. This masterclass, Digital Inclusion: Accessible Digital Health for the Elderly, addresses the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and ensure that ageing populations are not left behind in the digital transformation of healthcare.

Aligned with the conference theme of Age-friendly Environments, this workshop will overlap with the themes of Healthy Ageing, Human Rights, and Digital Technologies in Practice. This session explores how digital inclusion is essential to promoting dignity, autonomy, and well-being in later life. It highlights the intersection of digital access and human rights, emphasising that access to digital health is not a luxury but a necessity.

 

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the components and barriers of digital inclusion, including access to technology, digital literacy, user-centred design, and trust. Barriers such as physical and cognitive limitations, lack of confidence, and financial constraints will be critically examined. The session will also introduce tools to evaluate digital readiness and assess older adults’ perceptions of technology, enabling the design of inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions.

 

Structured into three interactive parts, the workshop offers a blend of theory, practical tools, and real-world case studies:

 

• Part 1: Inclusion of the Elderly in the Digital Era explores the digital divide’s impact on health outcomes and the socio-demographic and psychological factors contributing to exclusion.

 

• Part 2: Designing User-Friendly Digital Health Solutions introduces the Digital Health Literacy (DHL) framework and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), guiding participants in creating accessible, engaging digital tools.

 

• Part 3: Available Approaches and Resources reviews current initiatives and critically analyses implementation challenges, offering insights into scalable, context-sensitive strategies.

 

Interactive elements include a real-time DHL survey with live data visualisation and collaborative group discussions applying DHL and TAM to real-world scenarios. These activities foster critical thinking and practical application, equipping participants with actionable strategies.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

 

• Assess digital health literacy and tailor interventions accordingly.

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance digital inclusion in healthcare.

• Promote multidisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders.

• Design digital solutions that are more likely to be adopted and integrated into the lives of older adults.

 

This workshop is ideal for healthcare, policy, technology, and social services professionals committed to advancing digital equity and improving health outcomes for older populations.

I am a communications specialist with holistic knowledge of Corporate, Digital, and Strategic communications acquired through working in commercial and clinical environments.

 

Currently in the second year of my PhD in Communication Science and Practice at the University of Pavia, my research topic is Health Communication and New Technological Frontiers: challenges and opportunities. There are several intersecting elements to this research. One of these intersections is unpacking and understanding how the technological advancements can improve healthcare outcomes, and whether the intended recipients are capable and willing to use these technologies.

 

Eager to learn and share insights from my research and those of others.

 

Please find out more information about my background and publications: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agvnapoli/