Access to Digital - Seniors are being hung up
More and more things in daily life can only be handled online now. For many seniors, this is "a burden," demands the Social Association VdK and insists on keeping parallel analog ways available.
"Many older people neither have the money nor do they possess sufficient computer knowledge to participate in this process of change," criticizes Paul Weimann, the Chairman of the Social Association VdK Hessen-Thuringia. "They are subsequently denied access to digital applications."
Where the hurdles are particularly high
The issue becomes particularly problematic when it comes to essential things like bank transactions, a doctor's appointment, electricity or energy supplier, a train ticket, or a government office. Particularly when one has to save money, the hurdles are often especially high, adds VdK spokesperson Philipp Stielow: The cheapest train fares are online, discounts at discount stores sometimes only with an app.
To handle things online, according to the VdK, many prerequisites must be met simultaneously: One must not only have a Smartphone or a Computer, but must also be able to operate them. In addition, one often needs an email address or a credit card.
One in Two Without a Smartphone
According to a survey by the Media Education Research Association South 2021: The older the Germans are, the less frequently they are online. In the oldest age group over 80 years, only 55% had Internet access and 41% had a Smartphone. Among those over 70 years old, 84% had Internet access and 72% had a Smartphone.
"The state must ensure that all people can exercise their fundamental rights," says Stielow. "The right to participation is one such fundamental right." The more things could only be done online, the more people would be left out. The state should, according to the VdK, oblige companies by law to offer services also analogously.
Study on Media Usage in Old Age
- The Social Association VDK Hesse-Thuringia's Chairman, Paul Weimann, highlights that many seniors struggle with online banking and digital applications due to financial constraints and lack of computer knowledge.
- According to a survey by the Media Education Research Association South 2021, only 55% of individuals over 80 years old have Internet access, and only 41% have a Smartphone.
- The VDK suggests that companies should be legally obligated to provide services in both digital and analog formats to ensure that everyone, including seniors, can participate in various societal activities.
- The VDK criticizes the trend of making essential services, such as train tickets and bank transactions, only available online, as it excludes those without the necessary technological resources.
- In Hesse and Thuringia, Paul Weimann of the VDK Hesse-Thuringia advocates for keeping traditional methods of handling tasks like booking a Bahn ticket or managing bank business available for seniors who may struggle with digital processes.
