Role of Intergenerational Networks in the Process of Digital Inclusion of Older People in Lithuania

Although the number of older people using digital technologies is increasing in Lithuania, the intergenerational digital gap remains significant. Based on affordances and intergenerational solidarity theories, the study aims to reveal the role of intergenerational networks in the digital inclusion of older relatives. The study is based on 45 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022 with older parents and with some of their adult children/grandchildren who helped their older relatives. The findings show that the role of younger generations in the learning process manifests in three ways: by providing help and support for more effective communication, in overcoming learning process barriers, and providing encouragement and assistance as a strategy to help older parents to cope with new life course challenges.