The digital divide in later life: ICT education and digital skills of the elderly in the EU

• April 30, 2026
• neelam

The paper analyses the age-related digital divide in the EU, focusing on how older adults (65–74) lag behind the general adult population in internet use, digital skills, and participation in ICT education. Drawing on Eurostat data from 2013 to 2025, it shows that although internet use among older people has increased significantly and the generational gap has narrowed, substantial disparities persist across countries. These gaps are particularly pronounced in Southern and Eastern Europe, where structural barriers such as lower education levels, income inequalities, and limited access to tailored training continue to hinder digital inclusion.

The study highlights that the digital divide is not only about access but also about the quality and purpose of digital engagement. Older users tend to rely on the internet for basic functions such as communication and information consumption, while participation in more advanced activities like online banking, e-learning, or civic engagement remains limited. Similarly, while some older individuals report basic digital literacy, there is a clear deficit in operational, problem-solving, and content-creation skills. This results in a form of “passive digitisation,” where technology is used in limited and non-transformative ways, reinforcing rather than reducing social inequalities.

A key finding is the very low participation of older adults in lifelong learning and ICT training, which remains heavily concentrated among the working-age population. This lack of engagement contributes to persistent skill gaps and limits the potential for active ageing and social inclusion. The paper concludes that the digital divide in later life is a cumulative and structural issue, shaped by intersecting factors such as education, income, and institutional support. It calls for targeted public policies that integrate ICT education into lifelong learning, adapt training to older people’s needs, and treat digital inclusion as a core component of social cohesion and digital citizenship.