(de-news.net) – According to a recent study co-presented by the Federal Ministry for Education and Senior Citizens together with the German professional association Bitkom, older adults in Germany are participating in digital life to a significantly greater extent than previously assumed. The report states that a clear majority of individuals aged 65 and above are now online, that they tend to regard technological innovation as advantageous for their daily lives, and that they frequently advocate for a more rapid and comprehensive national digitalization strategy. At the same time, the results underline that older adults view their own digital literacy as only moderate, indicating notable gaps in confidence and proficiency. The study further reports that nearly all respondents express a strong desire for additional support mechanisms, including more accessible guidance, targeted training opportunities, and user-friendly technical resources that would help them strengthen and expand their digital competencies.
The study highlights that seventy-four percent of online users consider it difficult to envision daily routines without Internet access, suggesting that digital integration has become deeply embedded in the everyday practices of older adults. The report explains that the core purposes of online activity among this group are predominantly social, recreational, and cognitive in nature. For example, seventy-two percent state that digital communication enables them to maintain more frequent and flexible contact with friends and family, thereby reducing isolation and reinforcing social connectivity. At the same time, ninety-one percent identify recreational or leisure opportunities online, and seventy-eight percent use digital content to remain mentally active, which points to perceived cognitive benefits. According to the study, the president of Bitkom emphasized that older adults recognize the opportunities inherent in digitalization and therefore expect progress that is both accelerated and inclusive. He reportedly underscored that clear and reliable guidance is essential to ensure that older people are not marginalized or left behind in a society that increasingly relies on digital infrastructures.
In line with these assessments, the report notes that only 17 percent of respondents view digitalization as a potential threat, while 81 percent regard it as a societal opportunity with the potential to improve daily functioning, service access, and personal autonomy. Two-thirds believe that digital transformation is advancing too slowly to meet current needs, indicating a widespread perception that implementation has not kept pace with technological change. At the same time, 80 percent argue that policymakers should explicitly consider older adults in the design of digital policy frameworks, suggesting a perceived gap between political agendas and demographic realities. According to Bitkom, most older adults who remain offline encounter structural obstacles—such as limited access, insufficient training, or inadequate support—rather than ideological resistance or disinterest.
Respondents assess their digital competence with an average score of 3.2 on the German school grading scale, a range situated between “satisfactory” and “fair.” This evaluation indicates not only moderate self-confidence but also the persistence of skill gaps that may affect full participation in digital contexts. The report points out that age strongly correlates with perceived competence: individuals aged 65 to 69 rate themselves at 2.6, while those aged 70 to 74 assign an average of 3.1, those aged 75 to 79 a score of 3.5, and respondents over the age of 80 an even lower competence rating of 3.7. Gender differences are also noted, with men rating themselves slightly more confidently at 3.1 compared to women at 3.3. Given the increasing integration of digital systems in public administration, health care, commerce, and social interaction, the report suggests that these self-evaluations carry important implications for equitable access and broader social participation.
The Internet usage patterns of older adults reveal a wide range of activities that reflect both communication needs and practical everyday tasks. Communication tools dominate usage habits: half of older online users take part in video calls, 60 percent engage with social media platforms, 88 percent send text messages, and 92 percent use email. Information-seeking behaviors are similarly widespread, with 81 percent obtaining news online and 88 percent consulting digital sources related to personal interests, hobbies, or cultural topics. In addition, practical applications are widely utilized: 80 percent rely on online banking, 76 percent engage in online shopping, 57 percent make use of navigation tools, 52 percent plan travel digitally, and 47 percent use health or fitness apps. These patterns indicate that older Internet users rely on a diverse set of digital services covering communication, information access, financial management, mobility, and personal well-being.
Among the 26 percent of older adults who remain offline, the most frequently cited barrier is a lack of knowledge or digital skills. Nearly half state that they do not understand how to use the Internet, and 15 percent report having no one available to guide or support them. Security concerns are another significant factor, with 40 percent expressing fear of malware, fraud, or risks to personal data. Additional reasons include apprehension about negative health effects (8 percent), physical or cognitive limitations (6 percent), or social discouragement from peers or family members (4 percent). Although 41 percent claim no interest in using the Internet, the study suggests that a large portion of this group would go online if access were simpler, more affordable, or accompanied by reliable personal assistance.
Across the entire sample, there is an overwhelming preference for structured and accessible support. Ninety-six percent of respondents express a desire for targeted assistance, and 91 percent believe that government institutions should take more proactive measures to prevent digital exclusion among older adults. The most favored support mechanism is the availability of telephone helplines (78 percent), which respondents view as an accessible and low-threshold source of direct guidance. Free or low-cost in-person courses follow at 66 percent, along with on-site counseling or technical consultation hours at 60 percent. Online courses specifically designed for seniors are endorsed by 43 percent of respondents. Additionally, one-third request individualized in-home support, and 35 percent state that financial assistance for purchasing devices or equipment is necessary to facilitate their participation.
Learning strategies vary considerably across the study population. A majority of respondents (54 percent) rely on friends, family members, or acquaintances for guidance and troubleshooting. Forty-two percent learn independently through trial and error, and 39 percent supplement this approach by watching instructional or educational videos. Smaller groups consult AI-based tools (19 percent), participate in seminars or workshops (16 percent), read technical manuals or specialized literature (16 percent), or use learning apps (13 percent). Another group engages with digital skills through online tutorials or podcasts. Nonetheless, a substantial share—one-third of all respondents and more than half of those aged 80 and above—report that they have not acquired any new digital skills, indicating a persistent segment at risk of digital disengagement.
Finally, the study reports a high level of receptivity toward technological innovation. Fifty-eight percent of respondents express generally positive attitudes toward new technologies, and approximately half have already experimented with artificial intelligence systems. However, attitudes toward AI remain ambivalent: 52 percent have used AI at least once, but 61 percent consider its tools too complex, 55 percent believe they are primarily intended for younger individuals, 47 percent would like to learn more about AI, and 50 percent express anxiety regarding its implications. Despite these reservations, respondents show notable interest in AI-driven health applications. Many indicate that AI could support them in tracking health metrics, maintaining independence at home, or mitigating loneliness through interactive digital companionship. Yet 38 percent are concerned that increasing automation could lead to the replacement of human caregivers, revealing underlying tensions between technological innovation and the need for human-centered care in later life.
