Improving digital literacy in older adults is now a health imperative: report

Digital engagement by older adults isn’t just a convenience — it’s a health imperative, according to the authors of a new report.

GetSetUp, a virtual learning platform for older adults, recently released its 2025 Active Aging Report, which found older adults eager to learn, connect and take charge of their health and independence. But digital literacy remains a barrier — and an opportunity — for health providers and others, they said. 

The report shares insights gleaned from a national survey that GetSetUp conducted in 2024 among 465 older adults to explore digital confidence and technology adoption, health habits and wellness priorities, financial concerns and work readiness, emotional well-being and social connectedness, and attitudes toward aging in place.

The majority of respondents said they used the internet for online shopping (77%), keeping in touch with family and friends (69%), lifelong learning (67%) and checking the news or stocks (55%). They also used the internet to help them improve their physical health (75%), mental health (68%), financial health (65%) and growth mindset (59%), as well as research health plans (71%). 

“The data tells a powerful story — older adults are not only adopting technology, but they are embracing it to improve their physical health, mental well-being, financial literacy and social connection,” the report said. 

Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they favored aging in place in their homes in the greater community. Twenty-nine percent of survey-takers said they lived alone, 16% said they lived with loved ones and 4% said they lived in a senior living community.

GetSetUp saw more than 2 million adults attend more than 4 million of its live and on-demand classes in 2024 to support digital literacy, health literacy and longevity through preventive health measures. Classes are taught by older adult experts to their peers on topics ranging from fitness to nutrition to digital literacy and the arts.

According to the report, 56% of GetSetUp learners reported an improved comfort level with digital tools, and 80% said they felt more capable of living independently. In fact, participating in classes on falls prevention, arthritis fitness and brain health resulted in a 50% increase in physical activity, according to respondents. Participation in online courses also helped older adults feel less lonely (35%), they said.

Key priorities for the future for GetSetUp include expanding its artificial intelligence conversational assistant into a robust AI platform for aging support, enabling AI-powered resource navigation, real-time tech support, personalized learning tracks, emotional wellness check-ins and smarter notifications.

The report also touches on the ability of older adults to experience emotional resilience over time, the importance of family and friends, and fashion as a form of self-expression.