Digital transformation, the grey digital divide and emerging training needs in human and digital rights among practitioners in care and adult education

The digital transformation of essential services has intensified the risk of digital exclusion for older persons known as the grey digital divide. This study’s goal is to explore the human and digital rights implications of the grey digital divide and the emerging training needs among practitioners working with older adults in welfare. In total, 110 health and social care practitioners and 113 practitioners in digital skills education responded to two exploratory online surveys using a modified version of the Hennessy-Hicks Training Needs Analysis. The results indicate that practitioners recognise older persons’ digital literacy and the non-use of Information and Communication Technologies as human rights issues. Distinct training needs emerged for practitioners in health and social care, and those in digital skills education. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating human and digital rights education among practitioners and volunteers working for the welfare of older persons.