Digital Health Developing Skills in third age

<< Background >>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.<< Objectives >>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.<< Implementation >>The DIGIHALL project implemented a range of activities to ensure the development of high-quality, user-friendly tools aimed at improving digital health literacy. We began by conducting qualitative analyses to identify educational gaps and training needs. These findings were used to create educational guidelines, which served as the foundation for developing the e-training program, mobile app, and corresponding materials.To ensure usability and effectiveness, two consecutive validation studies were conducted in each partner country, involving formal and informal caregivers, volunteers, and older adults. Feedback from these studies was continuously integrated through an iterative approach to refine both the e-training content and the mobile application.In addition to these core activities, the consortium produced a communication framework identifying key stakeholders in each partner country. Dissemination activities further ensured that the project's outcomes reached a wide audience.<< Results >>The DIGIHALL project successfully achieved its primary goal of enhancing digital health literacy through the development of an interactive e-training program, accessible via an online platform and mobile app. This initiative empowered formal and informal caregivers, volunteers, and older adults to improve their confidence and self-determination. Participants gained essential skills to understand health information, navigate healthcare services, use medication, and manage their conditions, thereby promoting their overall well-being.By raising awareness of the importance of adapting to e-health applications, DIGIHALL helped older adults improve their self-care, manage frailty and chronic diseases, and re-enable their active participation in society. The project also contributed to reducing health inequalities by ensuring equal access to e-health tools, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups.Key results are: User-Oriented Guidelines, Innovative and Interactive Training Materials available via online platform and mobile App, Trainer’s Handbook, project website and communication framework.