Coaching-Driven Digital Literacy for Older Adults: Results from AGAPE Ecosystem Pilot Study

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Introduction: Rapid technological development requires continuous learning and adaptation, yet many older adults (OAs) face difficulties using digital technologies. The AGAPE project (Active aGeing And Personalised service Ecosystem) aimed to promote active and healthy ageing (AHA) among adults aged 65+ by supporting independent functioning reducing caregiver burden, and improving eHealth literacy through personalized, user-friendly digital services co-created and tested in Italy, Portugal, and Romania. Objective: AGAPE pilot phase evaluated the effectiveness and usability of innovation adoption strategies designed to improve technology acceptance, digital literacy, and behavioural change among older adults and caregivers. This study examined participants’ perceptions of digital technologies and self-reported digital efficacy during a multicomponent intervention combining repeated technology use, personalized coaching, digital literacy and health education, technical assistance, and support from informal and formal caregivers. Material and Methods: The multiple-sites uncontrolled pilot study combined home-based use of the AGAPE digital technologies with long-term combined personalized support. Data were collected at baseline (T0), intermediate (T1), and final (T2) assessments using the System Usability Scale (SUS), technostress questionnaire, digital adoption questionnaire (TAM-derived), EQ-5D-5L, CarerQoL-7D, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, complemented by participant feedback, technology usage, and activity data. Results: The study included 217 participants, of whom 146 were OAs. Over the course of the intervention, participants showed reductions in technostress and improvements in perceived digital efficacy, although the magnitude and direction of change varied across pilot sites. The findings also indicated that contextual and social factors contributed to technology adoption and engagement. Conclusions: Participation in the multicomponent AGAPE intervention was associated with positive longitudinal changes in technology-related perceptions, technostress, and digital self-efficacy. The findings support the feasibility and potential of combining digital technologies with personalized coaching and broader interpersonal support to facilitate technology adoption among older adults. However, given the uncontrolled study design and the integrated nature of the intervention, the observed changes cannot be attributed independently to coaching or to any single intervention component.

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