Abstract:

An ageing population and an increasing life expectancy in the European continent – together with the current technological turn, favours the exploration of smart home technology and its potential to promote digital inclusion of older adults. The research draws on a European Union (EU) Erasmus + project conducted by five partner organisations from Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Romania. The study is threefold. It starts by investigating the perspectives of older adults on smart home technology and continues by assessing participants’ learning preferences in relation to smart home technology. Given the Erasmus + project’s overall aim to design a course on smart home technology for older adults, the study then discusses design elements to be considered when assembling a course with this purpose. The analytical framework consisted of multiple descriptive case studies generated by a survey and a focus group held in each one of the partner countries, summing 215 participants. Results indicate openness of participants towards smart home technology, despite their small familiarity with it. Data security and home security appeared as the main concern and benefit, respectively. Older adults require tailored, supportive learning experiences that address their needs and provide a space to experiment with technology.

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