Digital Fluency in an Aging Workforce

While younger generations were introduced to computers, smartphones, and the internet from a young age, older workers may not have had the same exposure to these tools. As a result, they might not be as comfortable or confident in using newer technologies. The speed at which technology evolves can be overwhelming. Older workers who might have learned a specific software or tool in the past may struggle to keep up with newer versions or entirely different tools that have become industry standards. This article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of 154 peer-reviewed studies to map the academic discourse on digital skills development and digi-tal fluency among older workers. The study seeks to identify key research themes, theoretical frameworks, and existing gaps in literature, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of how senior employees are navigating the demands of digital transformation in the workplace. The results that have emerged from the literature suggest four important strands, both for academics and practitioners: “Digital skills as a success factor in aging”,”Psychosocial Barriers and Stereotypes”, “Training, Development and Transfer of Skills”, “Adaptation Strategies and Digital Fluency”. By synthesizing current knowledge, this study contributes to the understanding of how older workers can be supported in developing digital competencies and highlights directions for future research and practical interventions.