One third of people over the age of 74 have never used the internet, according to a Statbel report published on Thursday.
The Belgian statistical office Statbel studied internet habits among 75 to 89-year-olds for the first time in 2024. It found that 35% of Belgian citizens aged 74 and over have never used the internet.
60% of seniors use the internet regularly while 5% have not gone online in the last three months. More men than women in this age group are internet users (69% of men compared to 52% of women).
This is significantly less than overall results from the general population: 96% of individuals between 16 and 74 use the internet (97% of men and 95% of women).
Online activities
Once online, activities differ significantly between age groups. Internet banking is used by 46% of the 75-89 age group, compared to 84% of those aged 16 to 74.
Just 34% of seniors use video call tools compared to 76% of the younger population.
Instant messaging is used by 25% of seniors, compared to 74% of younger individuals, and just 19% of seniors use social networks, compared to 73% generally.
16% of seniors purchase items online compared to 66% of the rest of the population.
