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One in four seniors feels digitally discriminated against

Many older people feel pushed into digital life, but just as many value how it helps them take part in society.

As many as 80 per cent of 61-70 year olds believe that they are adequately proficient in the use of the internet.

(Photo: Johner / NTB)

Kjersti Lassen Kjersti Lassen Kjersti Lassen COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

Presented by: Presented by: Presented by: Oslo Metropolitan University

Published 6 November 2025 - 00:01

Digitalisation is accelerating and the population is ageing.

“It's therefore essential that technology and service development be adapted and designed to meet the needs of an ageing population,” says researcher Dag Slettemeås from Consumption Research Norway (SIFO) at OsloMet.

He led a recent study on how the oldest members of society perceive their ability to master new technology and an increasingly digitised society.

Most people have access to the internet

The study found that the majority of older people in Norway can connect to the internet if they wish.

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As many as 97 per cent have internet at home, up from 89 per cent in 2018. Like the rest of the population, older people are using smartphones more, including for internet access.

Dag Slettemeås is behind a recent study on how the oldest members of society perceive their ability to master new technology and an increasingly digitised society.

A whole 80 per cent of people aged 61 to 70 believe they are adequately proficient in using internet. For those aged 71 to 80, the number is 64 per cent. Among those aged 81 to 100, the number is 43 per cent.

Still, perception of proficiency among the oldest group has gone from 25 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent in 2025.

Enables participation in society

Half of the seniors in the study believe that developments in technology and digitalisation are moving too quickly. One in three feel frightened by the developments, while around half are more positive and find them exciting.

“In other words, many more seniors consider the developments to be exciting rather than frightening,” says Slettemeås.

Nevertheless, a large proportion of seniors feel digitally discriminated against and many feel that they are falling behind.

A significant proportion believe that many seniors are pressured into digital participation and call for non-digital alternatives.

On the other hand, half say that digital and technological developments give them chances to participate in society.

“Seniors are ambivalent about technological developments. Many are curious but unsure about the consequences technology may have at both individual and societal level,” the researcher says.

Artificial intelligence as support for everyday life

Dag Slettemeås also led a study about what people in Norway know and think about artificial intelligence. Opinions are split here too.

“We are positive about specific solutions that can assist us in everyday life, but sceptical about the technology itself and the global power that can be found in it,” he says.

Half the population believes welfare technology and smart tools with AI can help support the elderly in everyday life. Those with memory problems, for instance, could get help with scheduling appointments and reminders about when to take their medications.

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One in three support using AI in home care services so older people can live at home for longer.

Almost half of seniors believe AI could be useful for the elderly and society, and 20 per cent strongly agree.

“However, we are more sceptical about the use of artificial intelligence and social robots as conversation partners and activity support for the elderly. Scepticism is particularly high among the elderly themselves,” says Slettemeås.

According to the researcher, this shows that even though the technology can open up new forms of care, it is still hard for people to accept it culturally and emotionally.

Concerns about safety in everyday life

People have more faith in AI-based safety systems for monitoring and alerting carers if something happens to the elderly. More than half think this is a good idea. The elderly are just as positive about this as the younger generations.

“This may be due to the fact that the elderly are often more concerned about safety than younger people,” says Slettemeås.

He adds that many seniors believe smart home technology can make life easier, save time, give comfort, and make them more independent so that they can live at home for longer.

But many seniors worry about AI-generated fraud and fake content. 80 per cent are worried about AI becoming so similar to humans that it will become impossible to tell the difference.

Findings from the studies

Since 2018, seniors have increasingly been adding ‘smart’ gadgets to their homes. The use of smart watches and exercise bracelets has increased from 10 to 29 per cent, robot vacuum cleaners from 6 to 21 per cent, smart speakers from 6 to 18 per cent, robot lawn mowers from 8 to 17 per cent, and electronic door locks from 7 to 16 per cent.
One in four seniors have some form of safety technology at home.
One in three have no ‘smart’ gadgets compared to half in 2018.

References:

Slettemeås, D. & Mainsah, H. Eldres digitale hverdagsliv i en kunstig intelligent tidsalder (AI AGE) (Elderly people’s digital life in an artificially intelligent age (AI AGE)), SIFO report no. 8-2025.

Slettemeås, D. På vei mot et superintelligent, syntetisk og robotstøttet hverdagsliv? En landsdekkende undersøkelse om befolkningens møte med kunstig intelligens (Towards a super-intelligent, synthetic and robot-supported everyday life? A nationwide study of the population's encounters with artificial intelligence), SIFO report no. 9-2025.