300 seniors in the Hedmark region (Norway) have improved their digital skills through participating in the More Digital initiative. The initiative is a huge success in the municipalities of Eidskog, Kongsvinger and Grue. Wide collaboration across municipal boundaries, sectors and generations has helped the seniors to gain inspiration and motivation to learn more about the use of tablets, smartphones and the Internet. Teenagers in the three municipalities have offered their services as computer guides and helped to build a bridge between the generations. The seniors praised the youth for their patience and kindness during the trainings.
The More Digital Initiative was concluded in Kongsvinger, where the leader of the Council for an Age-friendly Norway, Trude Drevland, highlighted the Government’s ambition to be a world leader in exploiting the opportunities that come with the digitisation. For the municipalities, it is crucial to get all the inhabitants on board the digital highway. Digital mastery and courage are needed to be able to use public services and digital tools in everyday life.
The seniors in the region have worked hard and learned a lot during the More Digital events, but the work does not stop here. The focus on digital inclusion continues, so anyone who needs advice and tips on the road ahead can contact their local library. The libraries offer individual guidance and computer courses.
The More Digital initiative is part of the CORA project. The concept was developed by Telia, which has conducted similar events in over 100 Swedish municipalities. Grue, Eidskog and Kongsvinger are the pilot municipalities in Norway. The enormous interest and response to these measures demonstrates that there is a great need for enhancement of digital skills. Hedmark’s experience shows that such events can be recommended to other municipalities. CORA partners in Hedmark are convinced that this is a good investment in well-being, mastering skills and social inclusion.
