Tietoevry study: 64% of Nordic seniors need help using digital services

Published: 16 May 2024

Although the vast majority of all respondents (78%) report that digitalization makes everyday life easier, 30% feel that they are not keeping up with the development. One in five also feels that their ability to act independently has deteriorated due to the digitization of services. This is revealed in Tietoevry's survey which studied the digital accessibility experiences of 3000 citizens aged 65 and over in Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

Digitalization and the changing age structure are rapidly transforming societies, including in the Nordics. This demands even more from the accessibility of digital services. Keeping elderly citizens involved in digital development is crucial socially, economically and societally. It is the responsibility of technology companies like Tietoevry as well as our customers who develop many critical online services, to promote a digital society where no one is left behind.

On average, individuals over 64 years old in all three countries spend three hours a day on digital services (median). The most widely used digital services among seniors are banking services, healthcare, and other public administration services. Finns use social media less than Swedes and Norwegians but are instead more enthusiastic users of video and streaming services.

"Accessibility is not about one universal solution that fits all; it's about inclusion for everyone. We are all individuals with different needs, yet we all strive for an independent and productive life. By understanding the people who use digital services, and acknowledging their concerns and difficulties, we can enhance the user experience and create a more inclusive digital society. Awareness is the key," says Tietoevry's Accessibility Specialist (CPWA), Nadia Törnroos.

Finns are more uncertain about their digital skills than Swedes and Norwegians

Less than half (45%) of Swedes and 69% of Norwegians need help using digital services at least occasionally, while 76% of Finns report a need for support. 36% of Finnish respondents feel uncertain about their own competence when using new digital services, while the corresponding figure in Sweden is 18% and in Norway is 23%.

When facing challenges with digital devices or online services, help is most often sought from one's offspring. Especially Finns (49%) and Norwegians (47%), seek help from their children or grandchildren, but only 26% of Swedes do the same. Less than half of all respondents (48%) consider digital services to be reliable.

Although the vast majority of all respondents (78%) feel that digitization is welcome and makes everyday life easier, some of them feel that they are not keeping up with the development (30%). One in five also feels that their ability to act independently has deteriorated due to the digitization of services, Finns (28%) more often than their Nordic neighbours.

About the survey

The survey was conducted with our goal to advance the accessibility of digital services. The data was collected as an online survey in April 2024. The survey reached altogether 3,000 citizens aged 65+ in Finland, Sweden and Norway, representing a diverse group based on age, gender, and region.

For more information, please contact:

Tietoevry Newsdesk, [e-mail], [phone]

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Nadia Törnroos

Accessibility Specialist, Lead Software Engineer

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