Abstract:

In Latin America, life expectancy increased without improvements in living standards, particularly affecting elders who are more prone to non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and cognitive problems. This increases the likelihood of functional disability, reduced quality of life, and dependence on long-term care. In Panama, older men and women are among the least advantaged. Self-care is paramount.

Global evidence indicates that digital health can improve health conditions and mitigate healthcare system deficiencies if gender, inclusion, and intergenerational participation are considered. Telemonitoring effectively promotes self-care and controls NCDs. Digital health reduces costs for providers and patients, facilitates access to medical services, and improves outcomes. However, preparing adults to leverage technology for their health is crucial.

Reducing the digital divide that excludes older adults from 21st-century society, maintaining lifelong education, and utilizing digital health for self-care are essential. Active minds prevent age-related cognitive decline. Leveraging youth as collaborators in a digital technology learning ecosystem is a strategic approach for intergenerational teams to share knowledge and life experiences, strengthening the community social fabric. Youth teach technology, and adults share experiences.

Given the need to evaluate strategies for achieving digital literacy in older people and promoting self-care supported by information and communication technologies (ICT), we developed this project to explore how intergenerational digital literacy experiences using technological and collaborative tools improve technology acceptance and self-care in older adults.

The project involved 50 older adults aged between 55 and 85 years from three senior associations in the Betania district, mostly with academic and professional training. Phase I was exploratory, focusing on learning by doing to identify effective strategies. Phase II will involve a Health Telemonitoring Pilot.

Phase I: November 2022 until April 2024. Initially, the knowledge requirements were established. Intergenerational co-creation sessions identified knowledge assets to share among peers. Gaps were addressed with the collaboration of young university students aged 18 to 22, who performed community service and acted as Personal Technology Assistants.

A smartphone and/or tablet with internet access was required. Population: 87% female and 13% male, with an average age distribution of 41% in the 60-69 age range, 34% in the 70-79 age range, 15% in the 80+ age range, and 10% under 60.

During Phase I, older adults showed interest in exploring digital media. Initial concerns about security and personal data, and use of collaborative platforms for daily life (banking, entertainment, social networks, and nutrition) were noted. Co-creation was applied to encourage topics of interest, forming intergenerational learning teams with student assistance. Tools like WhatsApp and the Kwido Platform by Ideable were used for learning digital health platforms, with a later phase for Physical and Cognitive Health Telemonitoring pilots with bioethical protocols.

The study demonstrated that older adults want to continue lifelong learning. Successful digital literacy is crucial for effective health self-care using digital technologies. The intergenerational approach proved advantageous, benefiting both populations through co-creation and collaboration.

Keywords:

Digital Literacy, Digital Health, Intergenerational Teams, Community Development, Self Care.