Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland welcomes the release of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) 2025, an important reminder that while digital technology connects much of Australia, not everyone is sharing equally in its benefits. Behind every statistic is a story of older Australians working to stay connected in a world that is moving ever faster online.
The 2025 ADII shows that Australia’s national digital inclusion score has increased to 73.6 out of 100. This is encouraging progress, yet the gap between younger and older Australians remains wide. Age continues to be one of the largest barriers to inclusion, with a gap of 29.7 points between the youngest and oldest groups. Only the divide created by income is larger.
Inclusion starts to decline from age 55, and by age 75 and over, the average score falls to 51.2, well below the national average. While younger Australians continue to gain digital skills and confidence, many older people are struggling to keep up — not because they are unwilling, but because they face practical challenges with access, affordability, and confidence.
| Age Group | Inclusion Score |
| 18–34 | (approx. 80+) |
| 55–64 | 69.4 |
| 65–74 | 62.1 |
| 75+ | 51.2 |
The ADII, developed by RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Telstra, measures three main areas that shape participation online: access to reliable internet and devices, the cost of staying connected, and people’s digital ability — their skills, confidence, and online engagement. Together, these factors show how well Australians can take part in the digital world. For many older people, barriers exist across all three. Digital exclusion is not only about technology. It affects how people take part in everyday life. From paying bills and making medical appointments to connecting with family and friends, being offline can mean being left out. Although more older Australians are using smartphones and accessing the internet, many still face difficulties such as slow or unreliable connections, older devices, and the rising cost of data. For people on fixed or modest incomes, staying connected often competes with other essential expenses.
A new form of exclusion is also emerging. As Generative AI (GenAI) tools become part of daily life through services, health information, and communication, Australians aged 45 and over are the least likely to use them. This creates another layer of disadvantage as more systems begin to rely on these tools. Without support, these changes could make the existing divide even deeper.
There is, however, real progress being made in communities across Australia. Programs such as Be Connected and local initiatives like Brisbane Seniors Online are helping older people gain digital confidence through one-on-one mentoring and peer learning. These community programs demonstrate that people learn best when they are supported in practical and social environments. The Regional Tech Hub also helps people in rural and remote areas access affordable and safe internet, showing that community-based solutions play a vital role in digital inclusion.
For many older Australians, full participation in the digital world is still a goal rather than a reality. The ADII reports that one in five Australians (20.6%) remain excluded or highly excluded from digital life, and many of them live outside major cities. Closing this gap will take more than awareness. It requires sustained investment, strong partnerships across government, industry, and community, and a long-term commitment to ensuring everyone can connect and thrive online.
When every generation can take part and feel confident in the digital world, everyone benefits.