FakeNews&Elders - Elders in the Times of Fake News and Information Overload

Summary

FakeNews&Elders was awarded the European Innovative Teaching Award for its inclusive and impactful approach to equipping older adults with critical media literacy skills. By bridging the digital divide and promoting civic engagement through innovative tools and co-creation methods, the project supports active ageing while combating misinformation in an era of information overload. 

“FakeNews&Elders project is, in my opinion, a project that will significantly affect the awareness of seniors about their safety online. And, in fact, not only theirs, but also those associated with them”  

 

Topic(s) addressed 

• Media literacy
• Civic engagement of older adults
• Combating disinformation
• Digital inclusion
• Critical thinking
• Active ageing
• Participatory education
• Fostering democratic values in the context of information overload and the spread of fake news

Target group(s)  

• Older adults (55+)
• Local community animators
• Staff of Universities of the Third Age
• NGOs
• Libraries
• Parish associations
• Adult trainers and counsellors
• Social workers
• Professionals involved in digital communication and media - such as social media managers, journalists, researchers, university press officers, and R&D stakeholders

Methodologies used 

The project combined formal, non-formal, and informal learning to enhance the key competences of older adults and their educators. Using co-creation, citizen science, and participatory methods, it empowered learners to actively shape the educational content. Seniors from all partner countries took part in workshops, piloting, and evaluation activities, strengthening their media literacy, critical thinking, and civic awareness.  

Participants from different age groups were invited to join the Senior Experts' Board, ensuring representation and age diversity. Collaboration with NGOs, libraries, universities of the third age, and social centres created inclusive and relevant learning environments. 

Innovation environment 

The project created inclusive, intergenerational learning environments involving libraries, universities of the third age, NGOs, and community centres. It promoted a “whole learning ecosystem” by engaging educators, social workers, and media professionals in cross-sectoral cooperation. Through co-creation and citizen science methods, it fostered a positive learning climate where seniors felt valued and empowered.  

The project also ensured the sustainable use of resources by providing open-access tools and customised communication channels that can be adapted across sectors and communities. 

Teachers’ role 

Educators in the project acted as facilitators and co-creators, adapting content to learners’ needs and promoting critical thinking and digital resilience among older adults. They used participatory methods, drew on peer learning, and created inclusive, supportive environments that fostered learners’ well-being. Through cooperation with international peers, adult educators enhanced their own competences and exchanged good practices. Their role was central in developing flexible, learner-centred approaches that empowered seniors as active, informed citizens. 

This approach also had a positive impact on the organisations associated with the educators and trainers, strengthening their capacity to deliver inclusive, high-quality adult education. 

Impact and output 

The project empowered seniors and adult educators from six EU countries, strengthening their critical media skills, civic engagement, and digital confidence. This is particularly important in today’s context of fake news and information overload. Inclusive methods ensured the participation of older adults with health or mobility limitations. The co-creation process boosted seniors’ self-esteem and sense of belonging. Project results - such as the course, methodological guide, and educational boards - are freely accessible and widely used by libraries, NGOs, and local institutions, generating a strong spill-over effect in communities and inspiring further initiatives across Europe. 

Learn more about the project

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