The social educator in promoting active and digital ageing

This article discusses and presents data from an action-research project carried out in an institution, specifically a non-profit multi-sector co-operative in the north of Portugal that works for and with older people. As the world's population ages and technology becomes an integral part of human life, there is a need to ensure that older people acquire digital skills that enable them to actively participate in society and the community in which they live. This participation makes older people more (pro)active citizens, improving quality of life and well-being as they age, as well as increasing autonomy, self-esteem and self-awareness. Social educators, professionals in human relations, act as socio-educational actors in diverse, sometimes difficult and challenging contexts, namely for and with older people, empowering them through digital literacy and facilitating their access to new technologies. In order to promote active ageing and lifelong learning, develop personal, social and digital skills and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities, strategies were implemented taking into account the specific needs and individual characteristics of older people. The actions developed promoted a welcoming digital learning environment in which older people were motivated to explore the digital world and share personal experiences.