Resilient Digital Seniors: Strengthening Elderly Digital Literacy Through Interpersonal Communication Approach Strategies

Vollständiger Abstract

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The elderly are a group vulnerable to being left behind in the adoption of information technology. This study aims to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how interpersonal communication can strengthen digital literacy through digital education among the elderly. It employs Braun & Clarke’s thematic analysis method to examine data from interviews with facilitators and participants of the *Akademi Digital Lansia* (ADL)—or Elderly Digital Academy. The program engaged older adults across 38 provinces, reaching 10,208 individuals nationwide. Research informants were selected from Aceh, West Kalimantan, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and North Maluku. The study identifies five key themes in digital literacy learning among the elderly: emotional closeness, the facilitator as a mediator, small-group discussions, social support, and the sustained transfer of digital values. This research offers a novel perspective by positioning interpersonal communication not merely as a tool for education, but also as a mechanism for information filtering and a means to strengthen the digital community of the elderly. The findings demonstrate that digital literacy is fostered through the development of relationships that are empathetic, participatory, and community-based.