Project Description
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought everyday activities such as banking, public services, shopping and even medical appointments onto screens. This demands ongoing digital competence from every citizen, regardless of age. However, the rapid pace of this transformation has created a growing skills gap: many older Europeans are confused by frequent software updates and reluctant to embrace new technologies, despite the fact that these tools were designed to make life easier. Without targeted support, these tools risk becoming barriers rather than bridges. This gap is not about potential; it is about opportunity, and it can be closed. With the right guidance, older adults can translate their decades of experience into the confident and savvy use of digital resources.
This hesitation is exacerbated by the increasing number of online threats. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that two-thirds of Europeans feel unsafe online, worrying about fraud, malware and identity theft. National figures reflect this anxiety: Germany is reporting record levels of cybercrime, nearly half of French internet users have experienced phishing attempts, and Greece has registered year-on-year increases of 790% in cybercrime and 830% in digital fraud, which are disproportionately affecting seniors. Such statistics foster a climate of fear, discouraging older adults from engaging with digital services and making them more vulnerable. Building trust therefore requires robust security measures and clear, relatable education. By demystifying digital risks, we can transform anxiety into informed vigilance.
When confidence erodes, exclusion follows. Those lacking digital know-how are forced to either depend on others or forgo online options altogether. This weakens their sense of self-agency and deepens social and economic divides. Rapid digitisation that does not match community skills thus complicates rather than simplifies daily interactions, exposing seniors to new dangers. The consequences ripple outwards, affecting families, service providers, and the wider economy. Communities lose valuable contributions from older citizens when participation moves behind a digital wall. Therefore, ensuring inclusive access is a collective investment in social cohesion.
Generation Infinity was conceived to address this issue. Embracing the ethos of active ageing, the project integrates innovative, age-sensitive teaching methods and promotes awareness of online safety. It also delivers a dynamic, inclusive curriculum. By boosting digital understanding and confidence, Generation Infinity empowers older citizens to remain fully engaged in contemporary Europe’s physical and digital life. Our vision is of a society where technology enhances independence at every stage of life, rather than limiting it. We invite stakeholders, from local authorities to private innovators, to join us in developing tools that respect and reflect the needs of all generations. Together, we can ensure that progress moves forward without leaving anyone behind.