Training Needs and Challenges in Smartphone Use Among 
Old Adults: A Case Study of a Community College in 
Northeast China

Jingyi Han

doi:10.70711/frim.v3i8.6935

Training Needs and Challenges in Smartphone Use Among Old Adults: A Case Study of a Community College in Northeast China

Jingyi Han

Abstract

With the accelerating process of population aging in China, an increasing number of elderly individuals are facing challenges
related to insufficient digital skills, particularly in using smartphones. The lack of such skills not only affects their quality of life but
also limits their sense of social participation and independence. This study focuses on elderly individuals aged 55 to 70 at a community
college in a city in Northeast China. Through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, it explores their specific needs and expectations regarding smartphone use training and analyzes the major difficulties and challenges encountered during the learning process. The
findings reveal that the elderly have widespread needs in areas such as mobile payment, online shopping, transportation, health management, and app/data management. They also express a strong desire for support from community colleges. Based on the results, the study
provides a scientific basis for the design and development of community education resources and offers corresponding recommendations
aimed at enhancing the digital competencies of the elderly, promoting their better integration into modern society, and improving their
overall quality of life.

Keywords

Elderly education; Smartphone skills training; Community education; Digital skills

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/frim.v3i8.6935

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