Galician Seniors Embrace Digital World: Internet Use Surges Over 30% Among those 74+
Santiago de Compostela, September 27, 2025 – A new report reveals a dramatic increase in internet adoption among Galician residents aged 74 and over, with usage climbing more than 30% in the past year. This surge pushes the number of internet users in this age group beyond 100,000 for the first time, signaling a significant shift in technology inclusion for seniors in the region.
The study, Digital Seniors. Edition 2024, prepared by the Da Sociedade Observatory gives information in Galicia (Osimga), attached to the axcence for a technological modernization of Galicia (Amtega), highlights a broader trend of increasing digital literacy across older demographics. Internet use among those aged 65 to 74 also rose, increasing by 13.5% year-over-year. Between 2021 and 2024, over 60,000 individuals in this age bracket began using the internet.
The report also details evolving online habits. More than 17% of Galicians over 74 now make online purchases – a 50% increase compared to three years ago. this figure rises to approximately 26% for those aged 65 to 74.Moreover, approximately 65% of individuals between 65 and 74, and over 40% of those over 74, utilize digital administration services.
Popular online activities among senior users include information searches, and crucially, communication. A remarkable 86.9% of those aged 65 to 74, and 79.5% of those over 74, regularly use calls and video calls. Reading news, newspapers, and online magazines also remains a prevalent activity.
Device usage is also on the rise. 83.4% of those aged 65 to 74 now own a smartphone, with smartphone ownership reaching 43.1% among those over 74. Computer usage remains significant, with over a third (33.3%) of those aged 65-74 using a computer, compared to 11% of those over 74.
Home internet connectivity is also expanding. 67.6% of homes with residents over 74 now have internet access, a 7.1% increase from the previous year. Moreover, over 78% of these homes benefit from internet speeds of 30 Mbps or higher.
The study notes a gender gap in internet access, especially among the older cohort. While access is nearly equal between men and women in the 65-74 age group, the gap widens for those over 74, with 34.2% of men online compared to 26.1% of women.
Detailed findings from the Seniors Dixital report are available at http://osimga.gal/.
