Recent research from the University of Sheffield has uncovered a promising pathway to bridge the digital divide for older adults in the United Kingdom. By leveraging creative arts activities such as digital photography, online dance classes, and digital storytelling, organisations are successfully building digital confidence among seniors who might otherwise remain excluded from essential online services. This study, funded by Arts Council England and conducted in partnership with 100% Digital Leeds, highlights how engaging in digital cultural pursuits acts as a crucial stepping stone, motivating participants to expand their technology use for banking, healthcare, and social connections.
The findings come at a critical time, as digital services become increasingly central to daily life. For many older people facing barriers like limited mobility or unfamiliarity with devices, these creative interventions offer empowerment and joy, fostering independence and reducing isolation. As universities like Sheffield continue to lead such interdisciplinary efforts, the potential for scalable solutions grows, informing policies and practices across the higher education and community sectors.
The Scale of Digital Exclusion in the UK
Digital exclusion remains a pressing challenge for older adults across the United Kingdom. According to Age UK data from 2024, approximately 2.3 million people aged 65 and over do not use the internet at all, with exclusion rates rising sharply with age. This figure represents nearly one in five seniors with limited or no online access, preventing them from utilising vital services like the NHS app, online banking, or video calls with family. Broader statistics reveal that 94% of the UK's 4.5 million never-online population are over 55, underscoring a generational gap exacerbated by factors such as cost, lack of skills, and inaccessible devices.
In rural areas and among those with disabilities, the issue intensifies. Government reports note that while 86% of adults aged 60+ were online by 2025, compared to 95% overall, persistent barriers like poor connectivity and low confidence hinder full participation. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital reliance, leaving many older adults further behind, with implications for health, social wellbeing, and economic independence. Addressing this requires innovative, trust-based approaches rooted in community strengths.
University of Sheffield's Groundbreaking Research
Led by Dr Sharon Wagg from the University of Sheffield's School of Education, this study represents a pivotal contribution to higher education-led solutions for social challenges. Funded by Arts Council England, the project collaborated with 100% Digital Leeds to explore how Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations employ digital arts and culture to promote inclusion. Through in-depth interviews with seven local and three national organisations, staff from three case study sites, and 11 older participants, researchers gathered rich qualitative insights.
The methodology emphasised lived experiences, revealing how activities like digital photography and online local history research transform reluctance into enthusiasm. Dr Wagg noted, "Millions of people across the UK are simply not able to participate in the things so many of us take for granted... We’ve been able to demonstrate how important a gateway digital arts and culture activities can be for older people." This work aligns with Sheffield's commitment to applied research, bridging academia and community impact.
For those pursuing careers in educational research or community engagement, opportunities abound at UK universities. Explore research jobs or lecturer jobs in digital inclusion and arts education.
How Creative Arts Build Digital Confidence Step-by-Step
The research delineates a clear process by which creative arts foster digital literacy. Initially, participants engage in enjoyable, low-pressure activities that align with personal interests—such as rediscovering photography via smartphone apps or joining virtual dance sessions. This sparks motivation and reduces anxiety around technology.
- Entry Point: Fun, creative tasks introduce basic skills like using apps or sharing online.
- Confidence Boost: Success in sharing artwork online builds self-efficacy, extending to tools like email or video calls.
- Broadened Use: Participants apply skills to practical needs, such as NHS app navigation or family connections.
- Sustained Engagement: New friendships and belonging reinforce habits, combating loneliness.
For individuals with mobility issues, voice-to-text and tablet adaptations prove transformative, enabling independence. Owen Hopkin from Arts Council England affirmed, "This work will open up new opportunities... whilst also developing vital digital skills."
Real-World Case Studies from Participants
Interviews illuminated personal transformations. One participant, new to digital arts, used a tablet for photography, progressing to sharing images online and connecting with a community. Another rediscovered local history research, gaining skills for broader online exploration. These stories echo earlier initiatives, like Baring Foundation's Digital Arts and Creative Ageing programme, where seniors created digital animations, enhancing wellbeing and skills.
In Leeds, VCSE partners reported sustained engagement, with older adults transitioning from arts apps to essential services. Similar successes appear in Age UK Camden's digital training, where computer skills improved social inclusion, and Tech and Tea sessions in Greater Manchester, blending tea chats with skill-building. These examples demonstrate the model's scalability.
Access the full Sheffield project resourcesBenefits Beyond Technology: Health, Social, and Wellbeing Impacts
Digital inclusion via arts yields multifaceted gains. Socially, it combats loneliness—affecting 1.3 million older UK adults—through online friendships and family links. Health-wise, app access supports self-management, while creative expression boosts mental health. Studies confirm arts interventions enhance wellbeing in community-dwelling seniors aged 65+.
- Reduced isolation via video calls and community shares.
- Empowered independence for those with health challenges.
- Improved access to services, saving time and costs.
- Enhanced cognitive stimulation through creative digital tasks.
Higher education institutions play a key role, with researchers developing evidence-based programmes. Consider career advice for academic CVs in this growing field.
The Pivotal Role of VCSE Organisations and Universities
Community-rooted VCSE groups, libraries, and arts providers excel due to earned trust, outperforming top-down efforts. The Sheffield study advocates partnerships with universities for expertise and evaluation. 100% Digital Leeds exemplifies this, developing a toolkit for embedding digital in creative activities after 10 years of anecdotal success now empirically validated.
UK universities like Sheffield contribute through funding bids and training. Jason Tutin of 100% Digital Leeds praised the toolkit's potential: "...increasing motivation, confidence, and digital inclusion for everyone." Explore university jobs in community-engaged research.
The New Toolkit: Practical Tools for Implementation
100% Digital Leeds's toolkit offers actionable guidance: step-by-step integration of digital into arts, collaboration tips, and evaluation metrics. Available via the project site, it targets arts organisations, local authorities, and funders. Features include infographics and case examples, promoting cross-sector adoption.
Visit 100% Digital Leeds
Policy Implications and National Strategies
The research urges cross-sector policy: prioritise VCSE funding, integrate arts in digital plans, and scale toolkits nationally. Aligning with the UK Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan (2025), which commits to skills and devices by 2026, it calls for creative gateways. Age UK's push for 120,000 older learners by 2026 complements this.
Universities can advocate via evidence, shaping equitable digital futures.
Future Outlook: Scaling Creative Digital Inclusion
Looking ahead, AI-enhanced arts tools and hybrid events promise further innovation. Challenges like funding and access persist, but Sheffield's model offers a blueprint. With sustained investment, the 2.3 million excluded could halve, enhancing lives and economies.
In summary, creative arts via digital means unlock profound inclusion. For higher ed professionals, this signals opportunities in research and teaching. Check Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or recruitment to engage. Share your insights below.