How We Learn Together: Social Learning Strategies

How We Learn Together: Social Learning Strategies

At COMFORTage, a European project focused on enhancing the quality of life and participation of older adults through technology, we are currently developing and applying social learning strategies that are reshaping how we support active ageing and digital inclusion.

Why Social Learning Strategies Matter

Social learning strategies are based on a simple yet powerful idea: people learn better when they learn together. Especially for older adults, peer support and community engagement can be crucial for overcoming digital barriers and fostering confidence in using new technologies.

Step One: Mapping Existing Knowledge

We began with a scoping review to map current research on the role of social learning strategies in technology adoption among older adults. Following the PRISMA-SCR framework, we identified:

• Common barriers to tech adoption (e.g., lack of confidence, fear, accessibility issues)

• Key factors that encourage peer learning and motivation

• The innovative role of Living Labs in community-based technology learning

This has laid the foundation for designing strategies grounded in real evidence and lived experience.

Step Two: Co-Creating with Communities

Building on our findings, we are conducting co-creation sessions with:

• Older adults

• Healthcare professionals

• Social care workers

• Informal caregivers

• Researchers and local stakeholders

Our process is guided by human-centred design, participatory methods, and design thinking principles, ensuring that each solution reflects local realities and user needs.

A Four-Phase Working Methodology

Preparatory Phase
Strategy design for community engagement through Living Labs, Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), and smart city initiatives. We have been building relationships and raising awareness across age groups.

Phase I – Empathise
Through participatory workshops, we explore the challenges older people face and identify shared learning needs and potential solutions.

Phase II – Define (ongoing)
A three-step iterative process to:

• Understand barriers and opportunities

• Generate innovative ideas

• Prioritise feasible solutions based on community input

Phase III – Prototyping (upcoming)
Two technology-based interventions will be co-developed and tested in Living Labs, rooted in social learning strategies.

Phase IV – Evaluation and Testing (upcoming)
The interventions will be implemented during community events to observe real-world impact and promote shared learning experiences.

What Are We Aiming to Achieve?

Thanks to this collaborative journey, we are shaping realistic, locally adapted social learning strategies that aim to:

• Encourage independent technology use

• Improve acceptance of and attitudes toward technology

• Reduce social isolation

• Strengthen community ties

More than that, our work highlights a crucial truth: technology alone is not enough. It’s the human connections—the shared learning, trust and confidence—that truly drive meaningful engagement.

Moving Forward: People at the Heart of Innovation

At COMFORTage, we remain committed to designing technology solutions with and for older adults. By putting people and their relationships at the centre, social learning strategies become powerful tools for digital empowerment and active ageing.