A new Bitkom survey shows that 74% of Germans over 65 now use the internet, up from 48% five years ago. Most seniors employ it for communication and daily tasks, but nearly all seek more support to keep up with rapid technological advances.
The Bitkom survey, conducted in September and October 2025 with 1,004 representative individuals over 65, highlights progress in digital inclusion. "This means we can say that our older population has arrived in the digital world," said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst in Berlin.
Between ages 65 and 69, 98% are online, though the share declines with age; over 80, 50% still use the internet. Nine in ten seniors use it for emails and text messages, 60% for social networks, and 50% for video calls. 88% search for personal interest information, 81% for news, 80% handle banking, and 76% shop online.
Despite high usage, 96% rate their online skills at 3.2, worse than the 2.8 from younger generations. 54% seek advice from family or friends, and two-thirds want affordable training. Half have tried AI like ChatGPT.
Senior Minister Karin Prien (CDU) emphasized: "Digital participation is not a question of age; that is the political goal." She announced support offers, such as a hotline for technical issues and "digital angels" for mobile advice. Among the 26% non-users, 40% fear data security risks, 47% say they don't know how, and 15% lack help.
"The opportunities of digitalization are great, ... to deal with loneliness," Prien said.
