Over 65% of Australians Aged 75+ Digitally Excluded as Services Go Online

More than 65 percent of Australians aged over 75 cannot access digital services, leaving them dependent on family and carers as banking, government services, and aged care systems shift online. The digital divide is eroding seniors’ independence and creating isolation, prompting calls for essential services to remain accessible through non-digital channels while digital literacy programs expand.

The scale of digital exclusion among older Australians

The Australian Digital Inclusion Index found that more than 65 percent of Australians aged over 75 are digitally excluded. Banking, government services and aged-care systems are increasingly becoming digital-first, creating barriers for seniors who lack online skills or access to technology.

This shift is forcing older people to rely on others to manage their own affairs. Families, neighbours, and retirement village staff are stepping in to help seniors access essential online services that were once available offline.

How digital exclusion affects independence and wellbeing

Advocates warn that digital exclusion leaves seniors feeling isolated, frustrated, and less confident in managing their own lives. When older Australians cannot independently access banking, health appointments, or government support, they lose autonomy over decisions that affect them.

Demand for both home care and residential aged care continues to outpace supply, particularly in regional areas. This capacity gap compounds the problem when seniors cannot navigate online systems to arrange the support they need.

What experts say must change

Experts argue that essential services must remain accessible through non-digital options to protect older Australians’ right to independent living. They also call for expanded digital literacy support and training programs tailored to seniors.

A Building Digital Skills Grant offering up to $20,500 in funding closes on September 4, 2026, aimed at helping older Australians develop online skills. However, advocates say more sustained investment is needed to bridge the gap between digital and non-digital access across all critical services.

The broader policy challenge

Aged care reform in 2026 is reshaping how services are delivered, but the shift to digital-first systems risks leaving vulnerable seniors behind. Policymakers face pressure to balance modernisation with accessibility, ensuring that technology improvements do not exclude those least able to adapt.

Without deliberate action to maintain offline pathways and fund digital training, the digital divide will continue to erode independence among Australia’s growing older population.

Final Thoughts

The digital divide is forcing older Australians to surrender independence as essential services move online. Policymakers must mandate non-digital access options and fund sustained digital literacy programs to protect seniors’ autonomy and dignity.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.