DURATION OF THE PROJECT:

LEAD PARTNER:

Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor

PROJECT PARTNERS:

UP Faculty of Health Sciences

Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana

TEAM AT UP FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES:

Prof.  Boštjan Žvanut (SICRIS, ResearchGate)

Summary:

The purpose of this project is to address the key challenges in bridging the digital divide for older adults. The presented scientific and policy-related background demonstrates a clear need for evidence-based solutions to improve their digital inclusion. As more older adults become internet and ICT users, understanding their specific needs in terms of ICT usage and cybersecurity becomes of vital importance. Such research is necessary for the development of a tailored cybersecurity competency framework for older adults which would support the development of policies, strategies and programs aimed at the progression of ICT adoption, digital competencies, and safety of older adults in a digital environment. The project aims to base the development of such a framework on real-world ICT usage by the older adults, ensuring that it is not just theoretically sound but also practical and relevant. Understanding the factors associated with cybersecurity competencies, such as learning intentions, types and purposes of ICT use, and experiences with cybercrime, is essential. The proposed project aims to achieve three main research objectives, supported by several sub-objectives revolving around research gaps and research problems identified based on our background research and literature review (presented in the next section).