“Digital is an essential way to keep in touch”

How can we explain this growing use?

The dematerialization of procedures, following Covid-19, has pushed new categories of the population to appropriate digital tools. There is also a generational effect: people aged 70 today were 45 when the Internet became widespread and were able to acquire an initial familiarity with it, unlike their elders. Finally, digital technology has become an essential way to keep in touch, maintain interests and simplify everyday life.

Do the dangers inherent in screens require specific support for seniors?

More than a third of respondents have benefited from, or would like to benefit from, free support for using digital technology. But they believe that they do not have a pressing need for reasonable use, because they think they have sufficient command of IT tools. On the other hand, almost a quarter of those aged 70 and over fear scams or harassment, even if they are often more cautious and expose themselves less to social networks than others. Finally, many still believe that digital technology has no concrete impact on their lives.