Creative Arts Key to Digital Inclusion for Seniors

Engaging with digital arts and culture activities is a critical step in building digital confidence in older people who are often excluded from the online world, according to a new University of Sheffield report.

Digital exclusion can be a significant barrier in day-to-day life with many of the services older people rely on now operating primarily online. Although many older people fully embrace the digital world, digital exclusion increases with age. According to Age UK, around 2.3 million people aged 65 and over in the UK report that they do not use the internet at all.

Researchers, Dr Sharon Wagg, Dr Pam McKinney and Laura Woods with support from Mariyah Mandhu, investigated how Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations use digital arts and cultural activities to encourage older people to use digital technology, and whether this extends use of digital in other areas of their lives. This includes activities such as online dance classes, digital photography and digital art.

The Arts Council England-funded study found that these activities serve as a vital, confidence-boosting stepping stone for older people who become more open to using a wider range of digital tools and services in their daily lives.

The University of Sheffield worked with 100% Digital Leeds, who identified a range of organisations to take part in the research. 100% Digital Leeds has developed a new toolkit to encourage and support greater involvement of arts and culture within digital inclusion programmes. The toolkit is designed to shape and inform the work of organisations in the arts and culture sector, VCSE sector, or digital inclusion sector.

Dr Sharon Wagg from the University of Sheffield, who led the study, said. "Millions of people across the UK are simply not able to participate in the things so many of us take for granted, whether that's accessing essential digital services like online banking or using digital platforms to stay connected and reduce loneliness."

"We've been able to demonstrate how important a gateway digital arts and culture activities can be for older people. Not only are the activities often very rewarding in themselves, they build digital confidence and help the user learn to use tools that can benefit them for the rest of their lives."

Researchers conducted in depth interviews with:

• Seven local and three national organisations that are involved in digital inclusion in arts
• Staff at three case study organisations who have a specific interest in arts and culture digital inclusion activities
• 11 older people who have received digital inclusion support through engaging with arts and culture

The study highlighted that whether participants were trying digital arts for the first time or rediscovering a lifelong passion like photography, the results were the same: they shared their work online and in the real world, made new friends and developed a renewed sense of belonging.

The report also found that digital inclusion has become a vital tool for accessibility and empowering individuals to engage with digital services. From using tablets for creative expression, to being supported to use the NHS app, technology can foster independence and offer significant health and wellbeing benefits. Many also found that developing their digital confidence enabled them to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.

According to the research, the most effective digital inclusion activities are delivered by deeply-rooted organisations such as VCSE organisations, libraries and arts providers, who already hold the trust of their local communities.

"Our findings call for a cross-sector commitment to use creative cultural activities as a gateway to digital inclusion, backed by policy, collaborative investment and proven toolkits," said Dr Wagg.

"We can help close the digital gap by making technology feel less like a tool and more like a creative gateway to help make sure older people do not miss out on the many benefits the digital world can bring."

Jason Tutin, Head of 100% Digital Leeds, said: "For the last 10 years, anecdotal evidence from 100% Digital Leeds's delivery partners suggested that once older people had engaged with digital through arts and culture, they went on to engage with a broader range of digital tools and services. We're delighted that this research has confirmed that view. We hope our 'Digital inclusion, arts and culture, and older people' toolkit helps organisations from all sectors to embed digital elements into creative activities, increasing motivation, confidence, and digital inclusion for everyone."

Owen Hopkin, Director for New Technologies and Innovation at Arts Council England said: "Digital technology is transforming the way we experience and participate in culture, but not everyone has equal access to those opportunities. At Arts Council England, we are committed to ensuring that creativity and culture are part of the solution to digital exclusion.

"The research undertaken by the University of Sheffield provides compelling evidence of how creative approaches can support digital inclusion, while the toolkit developed by 100% Digital Leeds offers practical ways to put this learning into action. This work will open up new opportunities for those working in the cultural sector and bring creativity to more people whilst also developing vital digital skills. This project builds on years of Arts Council investment in digital and marks an important step towards a more inclusive digital future."

Read the full report on the project website, including: key findings, an infographic and recommendations at the local and national level.