Vodafone Foundation research finds that old people are online but not empowered
- Only 1 in 3 older adults feel confident navigating new digital tools
- 91% use digital devices daily, yet 69% report low confidence or fear of making mistakes
- 55% say digital technology is advancing too fast
- More than two-thirds of seniors face stereotypes that they struggle with tech
A new European study commissioned by Vodafone Foundation found that while digital technology is embedded in the daily lives of older adults, digital confidence remains the single biggest barrier preventing them fully benefiting from online tools and services.
The findings are based on a large scale Ipsos survey of 6,000 respondents aged 55+ across six markets: Ireland, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Romania.
Closing the confidence gap: how older adults navigate the digital world found that digital participation is now mainstream among Europe's older population, with 91% of older adults using digital devices daily including within the 75+ age group. Smartphones are by far the most widely used device for communication, accessing information and managing daily tasks.
The research was carried out on behalf of Hi Digital, a free online course developed by Vodafone Foundation designed for older people to help develop their digital skills. However, despite widespread online tech use, the report shows a persistent and significant confidence gap amongst older adults:
- 69% of respondents report making mistakes or having low confidence when using digital devices.
- 55% globally say digital technology is moving too fast for them to keep up.
- 53% want clearer, simpler explanations when apps or interfaces change.
- 47% believe better privacy and security features would help them feel more confident.
The research offers clear lessons for governments, charities and industry, with Vodafone Foundation calling for digital inclusion strategies to be founded around three principles:
Prioritise confidence before complexity - Digital training must focus on reducing fear of mistakes, demystifying devices and giving older people the reassurance they need to use technology independently.
Invest in community led learning - Local libraries, community centres, charities and intergenerational initiatives are the most effective drivers of digital inclusion for older adults. These trusted environments offer the encouragement, patience and social connection that online only or classroom style training cannot replicate.
Embed human centred design in digital services - Technology companies and public service providers must recognise that constant interface changes, unclear updates and confusing layouts erode confidence. Systems should evolve with the needs of ageing users, not against them
Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation said: "Public services, banking services, online healthcare and basic social infrastructure increasingly assume a level of digital fluency. Connectivity is important, but as governments pursue digital by default strategies it's critical that older people are not at risk of being left behind by a confidence gap."
"Our research shows that older people learn best in supportive, social environments where they can build skills together. We need to invest in digital confidence programmes like Vodafone Foundation's Hi Digital to unlock the potential of older generations and ensure they can participate fully in society."
Loneliness and stereotyping continue to shape digital engagement
Although most older adults who participated in the research do not feel lonely on a regular basis, 67% believe loneliness has increased in their age group in recent years. When loneliness is felt, older adults prefer offline activities such as meeting friends, family contact and outdoor activities, underscoring that digital tools support but do not replace real world connection.
The study also highlighted the persistence of age related stereotypes. 68% of respondents said they "fairly often" or "occasionally" encounter the assumption that older people struggle with technology, a perception shared across all six markets.
Concerns about online scams and information sharing persist
The research shows deep concern about digital risks that erode digital confidence, underlining a preference for trusted, human led learning channels.
Across Europe as a whole, 62% worried about personal information being misused online. In Ireland, Romania and the UK, more than 70% of older adults express heightened concern about scams. Even in digitally advanced markets such as the Netherlands and Germany, over half remain worried about data protection.
Across markets, older adults overwhelmingly prefer learning through supportive, social environments and their confidence grows through support. Half (51%) prefer in person learning, 39% rely on family and friends and 29% choose structured in person programmes.
58% said they would like more inter generational exchange when learning digital skills, pointing to a strong appetite for collaborative, confidence building digital learning rather than solitary, self guided approaches.
Market variations reveal different priorities across countries
Older people in the UK, Germany, Netherlands demonstrated high usage, but uneven confidence. Digital tools are deeply embedded in daily life, but even in these mature markets, older adults experience frustration when interfaces change or when learning new applications. This suggests societal digital maturity does not automatically mean individual confidence.
Respondents from Ireland showed the highest global openness to learning new skills (91%). Community based learning and trusted personal networks (95%) are also central to building digital independence.
But in Czech Republic and Romania, there is a greater need for structured training. Older adults show wider variability in confidence, with 43% lacking understanding of apps or websites and 36% fearing mistakes. This suggests that programmes in these markets need to focus on foundational skills and structured support.
Vodafone Foundation Hi Digital
Hi Digital is a free step-by-step online course developed by Vodafone Foundation and designed for older people to help develop their digital skills. The course consists of bite-size lessons organised around key digital themes including the basics of internet access, using online devices, and apps and features that can enhance daily life and combat isolation.
Participants can work independently or alongside a buddy over a few weeks to complete all the lessons. Individuals may have assistance from their children, grandchildren, or other people from their community.
The research can be found here: https://foundation.vodafone.com/news/vodafone-foundation/closing-the-confidence-gap.
About Vodafone Foundation
Vodafone Foundation (UK registered charity number 1193984) harnesses the power of connectivity to drive social good. Since 1991, it has invested in communities by connecting people and ideas with technology and funding, delivering impactful change alongside partners worldwide.
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