Supporting the older generation in entering the digital world by making it easier for seniors to use digital devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones in a competent and self-determined manner - that is the declared goal of the new “Digital dabei” cooperation project.
To this end, the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK) and the Social Welfare Office of the state capital Stuttgart are building on their successful collaboration in the predecessor project “KommmiT” (Communication with Intelligent Technology) launched in 2015, in which initial measures to introduce people who are inexperienced with technology and have limited mobility to the digital world and to network them in the neighborhoods were already developed and tested.
Taking engagement to the next level
During the two-year project period of “Digital dabei,” the digital skills of civically engaged people are to be expanded, who will then in turn pass on their knowledge and skills to seniors from their networks. To this end, the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation will develop a comprehensive collection of materials and a qualification workshop for digital accompaniment. The LFK learning app “Starthilfe - digital dabei,” which was developed specifically for media work with seniors and can already be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, will serve as the basis for this. The Social Welfare Office of the state capital of Stuttgart contributes its volunteer structures and standards for voluntary engagement to the cooperation in terms of training and support.
A model project with a signal effect
“Older people in particular often do not yet benefit fully from the advantages of digitization. I’m delighted that we’re working with the city of Stuttgart over the next two years to help close a gap here by providing in-depth training for multipliers and enabling more digital and thus also social participation in old age,” said Dr. Wolfgang Kreißig, President of the LFK, at the project launch.
“The project is an important contribution to establishing digital support close to home. Learning together with volunteer support in meeting places, multigenerational houses and community centers brings people together and creates valuable contacts,” Dr. Alexandra Sußmann, Mayor for Social Affairs and Social Integration of the state capital of Stuttgart, is certain.
Contact for press inquiries:
Dominik Rudolph
State Office for Communication Baden-Württemberg (LFK)
Telephone: 0711 66991 - 19
E-mail: presselfkde
Technical contact:
Miriam Brehm
State Office for Communication
Baden-Württemberg (LFK)
Phone: 0711 66991-22
E-mail: m.brehmlfkde
About the State Communications Authority (LFK)
The LFK is the media authority for Baden-Württemberg. It licenses and supervises private broadcasting, allocates transmission capacities, and develops and promotes a diverse media landscape. It is committed to freedom of expression and diversity, especially on digital distribution channels, telemedia and social media. The LFK is also responsible for the protection of young people from harmful media and for teaching media literacy. To this end, it is involved in numerous projects and offers training and continuing education measures.
About the Digital and Social Participation in Old Age Center (DiA- Digital im Alter)
Under the motto “Digital im Alter-fit für das Internet” (Digital in old age-fit for the Internet), the Social Welfare Office of the state capital Stuttgart offers senior citizens free support in using cell phones, tablets and computers. Volunteers in Stuttgart’s neighborhoods help seniors get started in the digital world during office hours or through group offerings in the form of courses.