PROTOCOL: Financial Literacy Programmes for the Ageing Population: An Evidence and Gap Map.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Financial Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Older adults face unique financial challenges, including vulnerability to fraud and abuse.
• Improving financial literacy and digital financial skills is crucial for older adults' financial well-being and independence.
• Existing research on financial literacy interventions for this demographic is fragmented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and describe evidence on interventions enhancing financial literacy, digital skills, decision-making, and fraud resilience in older adults.
• To map the scope, types, and delivery of existing financial literacy interventions for older adults.
• To assess evidence quality, identify research clusters for synthesis, and pinpoint critical evidence gaps.

Main Methods:

• Protocol for a Campbell evidence and gap map.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and qualitative studies.
• Comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant interventions and studies.

Main Results:

• The map will categorize interventions by type, target population, and delivery modality.
• Evidence quality assessment will guide the identification of robust findings.
• Identification of areas with sufficient evidence for systematic review and areas needing further research.

Conclusions:

• This evidence and gap map will provide a structured overview of financial literacy interventions for older adults.
• It will inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on effective strategies and research priorities.
• The findings aim to support the design and implementation of targeted financial programs to benefit older adults.