Report: Internet use changes as we age

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Key takeaways

• Older adults living alone without home broadband may be at greater risk of digital and social isolation
• Older adults are not considered typical users of digital technology, so digital products and services aren’t designed with them in mind
• People age 75 and older have a substantial drop-off in home broadband adoption and device ownership
• Digital ageism is part of the digital divide, the gap between those who have and can use internet and new tech

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Older adults are generally one of the largest population groups that face broadband access barriers in the U.S. and contribute to a large portion of the digital divide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Digital ageism, a form of discrimination based on age, exists in the development of new technology, which makes it harder for an aging population to keep up.

In a world where we now rely on digital resources across all sectors of our society (health care, banking, transportation, information, education and more), it is clear that it is more important than ever to ensure no group is left behind in the fight to close the digital divide — and that includes our older generations.

Report explores digital divide among older adults

A report from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society illustrates substantial discrepancies in older adults’ ability to access, afford and use the internet and connected devices to enhance their quality of life. 

The report states that older adults living alone with no home internet connection may be at greater risk of social isolation. 

The Census Bureau found that in 2021, most older adults in poverty lived alone (63%), compared to only 26% of those not living in poverty. Factor in a lack of broadband access in a society reliant on high-speed internet and these groups can be essentially cut off from significant products, services and information. 

It also stated that the digital literacy and skill gap becomes most pronounced after age 75. Older adults are not the target consumers for tech companies, so the products aren’t made with their needs in mind.

Digital ageism like this amplifies inequalities and reinforces the digital divide.

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Older Adults Online Report

Older adults online: Measuring internet access and use

The Benton Institute published its report, “Older Adults Online: Measuring Internet Access and Use,” in March 2025 as a guide for states to close the digital divide following the requirements set by the Digital Equity Act (DEA) of 2021.

The DEA’s goal is to ensure that all people have access to and can benefit from a high-speed, affordable broadband connection. The federal government identified older adults (aged 60+) as a group facing significant barriers in accessing and using broadband services. 

As a result, Congress tasked the states with crafting and implementing strategies to address older adults’ connectivity needs. The Benton Institute’s report was compiled to aid the states in closing the digital divide among older adults. 

‘65 is not 75 is not 85’

The report outlines a key point for state leaders to remember as they craft strategies to address this issue. The population of older adults is not a single entity but rather should be broken up into separate ones (stratification) with different qualities and connectivity needs. 

A 60-year-old who is still employed and has exposure to a digital environment is vastly different from a long-retired 85-year-old who has never relied on digital technology in the workplace. 

Stratifying older adult populations is critical.

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Older Adults Online Report

Why does age matter in internet use?

Age matters in internet use for the simple reason that certain age groups, like older adults, face more barriers to accessing the internet than others. Because of these barriers, the digital divide still exists, and we can’t close it without addressing them. 

The Benton Institute’s report illustrates the decline of technology access with age. Gaps in service subscription and device ownership begin to be the most pronounced for those over 75, the report states. 

Only about 66% of households headed by someone over 75 subscribe to wireline broadband, 10 points lower than the national figure and well below the 80% of households ages 60 or younger. 

Subsequently, subscription figures continue to decline with each five-year age cohort, with only about 45% of those ages 91 and older subscribing to wireline broadband service. 

The same goes for those who use desktop computers, laptops and cellular subscriptions. Older households trail the national figure by about 10 points, starting at age 76 but sharply declining at age 81 and older. 

Understanding the disparities among the different age cohorts within the older population can help focus the direction of where resources would be most impactful in closing these gaps. 

What is the Benton Institute?

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a nonprofit organization that aims to “bring open, affordable, high-performance broadband to all people in the U.S. to ensure a thriving democracy.” Aside from its main goal of a national broadband policy, the Benton Institute also states that it: 

• Connects stakeholders through information sharing and analysis to promise broadband policy debate and conversation
• Curates and distributes broadband research and analysis to policymakers, public interest advocates, philanthropy and more
• Identifies and highlights best practices and strategies as state and local leaders find ways to advance their broadband goals

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