This paper discusses the results of an empirical survey with 187 people above the age of 50 years (mean age 68,4 yrs) on their digital behaviors, motivation as well as interests, and barriers against the use of new technologies and presents innovative learning approaches for older adults. The interviews were conducted in five European countries (Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain) as part of the research project EHLSSA. The findings show that more than half of older adults are computer users and have Internet access at home. Reasons why they deal with digital technologies are mainly because they want to participate in the information society and keep pace with the younger generation. Main obstacles are physical challenges, fears and reservations to technology and the Internet, insecurity on how to work with digital devices and with regards to possibilities for support in case something goes wrong or questions arise. According to the interviewees, successful learning concepts focus on experimental and active learning, including a more diverse media use, a series of real life examples, and the connection with the daily life of older adults. Responses of ICT-beginners and experienced ICT-users were analyzed separately and compared. The results have been used as the basis for the adaptation of learning approaches for third level education and the development of online course modules in the field of digital literacy and humanities-related topics. The implementation of these courses started in May 2016 and will be completed in June 2017 with at least 800 participants.
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