“The Internet is no longer a strange world for older people”

2023-09-04 19:54:00

Computer instead of typewriter, tablet and smartphone instead of landline phone. The current generation of seniors in particular has experienced the technological leap of the past 40 years at first hand. She therefore refers to the humanities as “digital immigrants”. In contrast to the younger “digital natives” (the “digital natives”), they know a different world than that of online shopping, streaming services or video calls.

A study by the Upper Austrian Seniors’ Association among its members shows that the “immigrants” integrate well. 97 percent of around 1100 respondents stated that they own a smartphone and use it every day. The computer is also used several times a week or daily by 85 percent of those over 60 years of age.

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The uses for both end devices are diverse. In addition to functions such as making calls (97 percent) and taking photos (96 percent), around 64 percent of seniors stated that they use their smartphone for online banking transactions. Almost two thirds (64 percent) use the computer to book and plan trips.

According to the Upper Austrian Seniors’ Association chairman, Josef Pühringer, the results of the study would show one thing above all: “The Internet is no longer a strange world for older people.” One of the remaining hurdles, however, is the fear of scams on the Internet. 45 percent stated that they rarely use certain digital services or not at all.

Courses for orientation in the digital world are in demand at the Seniors’ Association. Courses such as “IT for beginners” would be very popular. “Today’s senior citizens are curious and also want to participate in society on the Internet.”