In 2025, Insee estimates that 54% of people aged 75 and over are in a situation of strict illiteracy. If we include those who do not master at least one basic digital skill, the proportion rises to 82%. Occasionally using the Internet does not mean being able to independently carry out an administrative procedure or secure an account. Supporting seniors in their daily digital lives requires precisely measuring where the blockages are, rather than offering generic advice.
Digital Illiteracy Among Seniors: Age Group Disparities
The overall figures mask very different realities depending on age. The distinction between “using the Internet” and “being autonomous online” radically changes the interpretation of the digital divide.
| Indicator | 60-74 years | 75 years and over |
|---|---|---|
| Strict illiteracy (Insee 2025) | Significant minority | 54% |
| Lack of at least one basic skill | High proportion | 82% |
| Use of generative AI | Low but increasing | Almost non-existent |
This table highlights a clear drop-off after age 75. Those aged 60-74 have often been exposed to digital technology towards the end of their professional careers. In contrast, those over 75 accumulate late learning, rarely adapted interfaces, and sometimes visual or motor impairments that complicate navigation.
The 2025 Household ICT survey, reported by the Banque des Territoires and Promotion Santé Île-de-France, highlights another gap: generative AI is mainly used by those already comfortable with digital technology. Seniors with low autonomy risk remaining distanced from services that could simplify reading letters or preparing procedures. The rise of these tools exacerbates inequalities rather than reducing them.
Platforms like seniorweb.fr offer targeted resources to reduce these gaps by adapting vocabulary and the pace of learning to the real needs of users who are furthest from digital technology.
Online Security for Seniors: The Trap of Fake Technical Support
Digital training cannot be limited to learning gestures (clicking, navigating, filling out a form). Online security is a distinct aspect, and a specific type of scam particularly targets seniors: fake technical support.
The scenario is well-rehearsed. An alert window appears on the screen, mimicking an official message from the operating system publisher. It urges the user to call a phone number urgently. An operator then asks to take control of the machine remotely, before charging for a fictitious intervention or installing malware.
- Never call the number displayed by an alert that pops up in the browser: no legitimate publisher displays a phone number in a pop-up.
- Never allow a stranger to take control of the computer via remote access software, even if they claim to be a technician.
- Close the window by force quitting the browser (Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Windows, force quit on macOS), then clear the browser cache before reopening it.
- If in doubt, contact a relative or caregiver before taking any action, never the displayed number.
This simple reflex – not reacting in the urgency imposed by the screen – should be part of any family or community digital support.
Digital Accessibility: What Changes with European Regulation Since 2025
Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act imposes digital accessibility obligations on a significant part of the private sector. This European directive goes beyond just public services and now includes online shopping sites, banking services, transportation, and telecommunications.
For seniors, this evolution has concrete consequences. Small buttons, insufficient contrasts, and incomprehensible forms are no longer just matters of comfort: they become regulatory shortcomings. Digital accessibility is no longer a bonus; it is a legal obligation extended to the private sector.
Conversely, this regulation does not solve everything. A site that is technically accessible (compliant with WCAG criteria) may still be unusable for someone who does not understand the vocabulary used or who cannot interpret a drop-down menu. Technical accessibility and human support are complementary.
What Family Caregivers Can Check
Without specific technical skills, a caregiver can assess whether an online service poses problems for a senior by observing a few points: is the text size sufficient without zooming? Are action buttons identifiable at first glance? Does the process to complete a task (paying a bill, making an appointment) exceed five steps?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, the problem often lies with the service, not the user. Reporting these difficulties to the relevant platforms helps advance real accessibility, beyond formal compliance.
Digital Training for Seniors: Group Workshops or Individual Support
Two main learning formats coexist to support seniors towards digital autonomy. Group workshops foster motivation through the group and allow for the demystification of mistakes. Individual support, on the other hand, adapts to the pace and specific needs of each person.
In practice, group workshops work better for those aged 60-74 who are already partially connected, while those over 75 in strict illiteracy progress more with personalized follow-up. Short sessions focused on concrete exercises related to daily tasks (checking a pension statement, sending an email, verifying a medical appointment) facilitate the memorization of actions.
Training for facilitators is a crucial point. A facilitator who uses technical jargon or performs the manipulations for the senior transmits nothing. The pedagogical approach – allowing them to do, reformulating, not correcting too quickly – is as important as the content taught.
The digital divide for seniors after age 75 will not be bridged solely by the multiplication of guides or simplified applications. Data shows that the most effective lever remains human presence, whether familial, community-based, or institutional, combined with truly accessible online services.
