Berlin Network: Digital Literacy for Older Adults
The network is aimed at anyone who implements non-commercial initiatives to promote digital literacy among older adults or who actively advocates for this cause as an influencer. We aim to connect full-time staff and volunteers, share information and experiences, identify needs and gaps, and develop solutions together.
On July 8, 2025, the Seniorennetz Berlin of the AWO Landesverband Berlin e.V., together with the Landeskompetenzzentrum Pflege 4.0 and on behalf of the Senate Department for Science, Health, and Care, officially launched the Berlin Network: Digital Empowerment in Old Age was officially launched.
The network is actively committed to ensuring that all older adults in Berlin have the opportunity to acquire basic digital skills. Our shared goal is to help older adults navigate the digital world with confidence and autonomy.
What Makes the Network Special
The network provides you with discussion forums, information, and materials free of charge. In addition, the network organizes training sessions on digital topics. The training sessions offered are free of charge for participants.
Networking & Exchange
Together we are stronger: Full-time and volunteer staff share best practices and find solutions to common challenges. Whether online or in person—here we learn from one another and return to our work feeling empowered!
Training Programs
Hands-on learning, immediate application: Our regular digital exchange sessions and in-depth training courses focus on digital empowerment for older adults. Whether it’s new digital trends, technical tips, or teaching methods—here you’ll find the tools you need for your daily work!
Visibility
Together, we raise public awareness: Our network makes your work visible—to donors, the media, and the public. Use this platform to showcase your projects and attract new supporters!
Information & Teaching Materials
Stay informed: The network’s newsletter provides updates on events, professional development opportunities, and the latest digital trends. Our resource collection offers an overview of reliable teaching materials (under construction).
Network Events
The Digital Stammtisch is the online discussion forum of the Berlin network “Digital Empowerment in Old Age.” Here, network members come together to discuss current issues or recurring problems related to individual empowerment programs. Invited experts also give practical, thought-provoking presentations.
Upcoming dates for the Digital Stammtisch:
August 18, 2026
Exchange and Peer Counseling
(Melanie Thoma)
September 1, 2026
A traveling exhibition on AAL technology—including presentation materials—available for rent for your location.
Norman Bartusch presents Smartxpedia care.
September 15, 2026
Use of Digital Technology for People with Dementia. Low-Threshold, Creative Methods
Kolo e.V.
(Milan Miletić)
October 13, 2026
Hard to Hack – Better Protect Your Online Accounts
Berlin Consumer Advice Center
(Simon Götze)
Past events:
Accessibility Features on Smartphones for Older Adults
General Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(André Steinmetz)
Telephone Programs for Seniors
"Bei Anruf Kultur" (Cora Kelma) and the Information Hotline (Margret Hampel)
Simple Language in Digital Education
Digital Compass
(Nora Bramati)
Exploring AI with Seniors—A Report from the Field
FrauenComputerZentrumBerlin e.V.
(Stefanie Schaarschmidt)
Self-determination in the digital space.
Free alternatives to Big Tech and Digital Independence Day
Topio e.V.
(Michael Wirths)
Strategies for Overcoming Concerns About Using Digital Media
Dr. Christina Münk
(BAGSO)
Dealing with Disinformation Online
Alexander Krickl
(REspect! Online)
It’s Never Too Late to Learn About AI—Why Older Adults Need AI Skills
Matthias Röck
(Digital Opportunities Foundation)
My Technology Finder
Simon Blaschke
(State Competence Center for Nursing 4.0)
Introduction to the Digital Roundtable and Survey on Needs, Expectations, and Preferred Topics
Marcel Stastny
(Seniorennetz Berlin)
As part of the network, we organize free training sessions on topics related to digitalization. We also host conferences and in-person networking events for advocates in the field of digital empowerment.
Upcoming training sessions and networking events:
September 8, 2026
Recognizing Disinformation and Fake News / Exchange and Networking
Networking Event
Past events:
Training on the Electronic Health Record (ePA)
Techniker Krankenkasse
Training on the Electronic Patient Record (ePA)
AOK Nordost
Building Bridges to the Digital World
Professional Event
Launch of the Berlin network "Digital Literacy for Seniors"
These events are intended for network members. Join the network to learn more about the events and participate in them.
Voices from the Network
"When my mother got her first smartphone at age 82, I realized just how challenging it can be to use one. That’s why I now teach digital courses for seniors. The network provides me with content support, inspiration, and excellent expert presentations that help me in my direct work with older adults. I benefit from exchanging ideas with other volunteers as well as from a strong network that enables us to share and develop ideas together."
(Peter Lorenz, Volunteer)
Coordination Team
Valuable organizations are part of the coordination team for the Berlin Network: Digital Empowerment in Old Age. With their expertise, they form the foundation of the network.
Responsibilities of the Coordination Team:
- serves as the structuring, coordinating, and organizing body,
- shapes the framework and sets quality standards and goals,
- plans joint initiatives such as the organization of network meetings, conferences, and training sessions,
- provides methodological materials, offers advice, and responds to needs,
- represents the network in public, and publishes joint position papers.
Who is behind it?
Would you like to become part of the Berlin network?
Fill out the application form to apply for membership.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email at netzwerk-digital@awoberlin.de.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Berlin Network Statement: Digital Empowerment in Old Age
We published a joint statement on the founding of the Berlin Network: Digital Empowerment in Old Age in July 2025. The statement outlines our shared goals and objectives.
The Berlin Network “Digital Empowerment in Old Age” is actively committed to ensuring that all older adults in Berlin—regardless of their personal circumstances—have the opportunity to acquire basic digital skills. Our shared goal is to help older adults navigate the digital world with confidence and autonomy.