Abstract
The paper reports the findings from a qualitative study that explored whether participation in digital arts and culture activities could serve as an initial first step for older people to develop digital literacy (DL) and become more confident with a broader range of digital tools and services. This research was funded by the Arts Council, and conducted by The University of Sheffield in collaboration with 100% Digital Leeds between January and September 2025.
Opinions vary about the exact relationship between information literacy (IL) and DL, but DL specifically covers the competencies people develop to engage with digital information, tools and services (Tinmaz et al. 2023). DL has long been recognised as a significant issue for older people (Hill, 2015), who are often digitally excluded (Age UK, 2024). This is particularly pertinent given the increasing trend towards digitalisation of essential public services, including health and social care (Rousaki et al., 2024).
Interviews for the study took place with three key groups: representatives from local and national arts and culture stakeholders, including public libraries; staff working for three case study organisations in Leeds who provide digital arts and culture activities to older people; and the older people themselves. An inductive thematic analysis of the data is summarised from two perspectives: The staff providing digital literacy support and the older people participating in the digital arts and culture activities..
Staff working for arts and culture organisations provide a huge range of DL support and facilitate engagement with digital tools and services. These can be directly related to arts and culture, e.g, showing people how to use digital art software, or they can be related to other aspects of daily life e.g. showing people how to use the NHS app. Organisations are trusted, hyperlocal, and have an inclusive ethos. Staff recognise that older people can be fearful of technology and formal learning, and so encourage digital engagement where developing DL is not the sole focus. Instead, playful, caring approaches are used that provide a soft exposure to new technologies, whilst building confidence, community, curiosity, and connection.
The data reveals that arts, culture and creative activities are an important first step for older people on their DL journey. By engaging with creative projects, individuals build confidence and are motivated to use a wider range of digital tools and services that they can apply across the life course. Many barriers to digital independence were addressed through engagement with digital arts and culture activities, and individuals went on to use their new skills in many areas of life, e.g photography, banking and travel.
A toolkit for arts and culture organisations has been developed by 100% Digital Leeds, and this is recommended for use in a wide range of contexts, including public libraries, to support the adoption of caring, playful approaches to support DL in older adults. This presentation will be of interest to delegates who address DL in their work with members of the public.
References
Age UK. (2024). Facts and figures about digital inclusion and older people. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/reports-and-publications/reports-and-briefings/active-communities/internet-use-statistics-june-2024.pdf
Hill, R., Betts, L. R., & Gardner, S. E. (2015). Older adults’ experiences and perceptions of digital technology: (Dis)empowerment, wellbeing, and inclusion. Computers in Human Behavior, 48, 415–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.01.062
Rousaki, A., Zamani, E. D., Sbaffi, L., Hamblin, K., & Black, R. (2024). The Digitalization of Social Care in England and Implications for Older, Unpaid Carers: Constructionist Thematic Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26(1), e60056. https://doi.org/10.2196/60056
Tinmaz H., Fanea-Ivanovici M.,& Baber H (2023), "A snapshot of digital literacy". Library Hi Tech News, 40 (1) 20–23, doi: https://doi-org.sheffield.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/LHTN-12-2021-0095
