Europe’s ageing population is ever-increasing, and our societies are becoming more digitalised. Many public services are available online, with many more services being digitalised.
But EU data show that only 1 in 4 people in the EU aged 65 to 74 have at least basic digital skills. So, older people may be deprived of their fundamental rights, such as access to healthcare or pensions, in our digital societies.
FRA’s report on ‘Fundamental Rights of older persons: ensuring access to public services in digital societies’ reveals that legislation across EU countries does not always acknowledge the risk of digital exclusion. Neither does legislation address the barriers older people may face.
To ensure access to public services for all, EU countries should:
This report drew on data from Eurostat and FRA’s Fundamental Rights Survey.
Quote of FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty:
“Access to public services is a fundamental right. But the digital transformation risks leaving older people behind. We need to close the digital divide, improve digital literacy and make sure that older people can also benefit from technological advances.”
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