Research Information System
in: International Perspectives on Aging, Springer Publishing Company, pp.235-255, 2026
This chapter explores the digital challenges confronting academics aged 55–65 years in Portugal, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania, focusing on technological proficiency, adaptation barriers, and institutional support. It addresses how older academics struggle with limited digital skills, resistance to change, and insufficient training, and asks how comparative insights can guide effective digital inclusion strategies. Based on a 2024 cross-sectional survey of 205 academics across six universities, findings reveal country-specific disparities: Portuguese participants report stronger institutional backing (62.8%), while Turkish respondents show uncertainty (39.1% neutral). To address these gaps, the study proposes modular digital training, ergonomic workplace adaptations, and intergenerational collaboration as targeted solutions to strengthen digital readiness and ensure equitable participation of older academics in evolving academic environments.