Older Hessians conquer the digital world: 70 new Di@ pilot bases!

Older Hessians conquer the digital world: 70 new Di@ pilot bases!

The Hessian state government is pushing forward the expansion of digital skills among older people. As part of the “Digital in Old Age – Di@-Lotsen” project, seniors are specifically introduced to the digital world. As the portal hessen.de reports, the initiative was launched in 2021, and around 600 Di@ pilots are now active in Hesse. These volunteers take on an important role as multipliers and support older people in using modern technologies.

As digital participation increases, the state government's interest in further improving the framework conditions also increases. “We see great potential in digitalization for the social participation of older people,” explains State Minister Diana Stolz. This is also demonstrated by the eleven new Di@ pilot bases that opened at the end of May 2023. There are now a total of 70 bases in 20 districts and in all independent cities. These contact points are located in communities, clubs, churches and multi-generational homes and offer tailored support.

The Di@-Lotsen bases are central contact points that provide suitable technology such as tablets or smartwatches and carry out training. About the Digital Minister Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus can apply for up to 1,500 euros in technology funding per base in order to purchase the necessary infrastructure. For example, in Wetzlar, a smartphone café was opened in the city library to help seniors use their devices. A digital whiteboard is also used there for clear explanations.

Importance of digital skills

The importance of the topic is also reflected in the partnerships entered into as part of the “Digital in Old Age – Di@-Lotsen” project and the digitalization strategy. The Digital Minister's portfolio is committed to promoting digital skills to ensure social participation. “Digital competence should not be a question of age,” emphasizes State Secretary Benedikt Kuhn. The support from the Institute for Media Education and Communication Hessen e.V. is also crucial. They conduct training and provide important media support.

But it's not just the technology that's crucial. As the Digital Opportunities Foundation emphasizes in its guide “Digital Skills for Older People”, competent use of digital media is essential for active participation in social life. In addition to the technical operation of the devices, it is important that older people develop confidence in their own abilities. The offer also includes instructions and examples for planning and designing needs-based offers.

The new bases that have been set up in cities such as Bad Nauheim, Frankfurt am Main and Haiger are further examples of support for older people through digital offerings. They help to make access to the digital world easier and reduce inhibitions.

Overall, it shows that the Hessian state government is taking its efforts in the area of ​​digital participation seriously. The combination of technology, training and personal support from the Di@ pilots makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that older people find access to the digital world and can actively participate in social life.