Finland's Digitalization Drive Needs Focus on Elderly Skills, Report Says

Finland's push to enhance public services through digitalization risks failure if a significant portion of the population cannot navigate digital tools. A recent report commissioned by the Ministry of Education and Culture, "Digiä ikä kaikki?" (Digital Age for All?), reveals that nearly half of those aged 65 to 74 lack essential digital skills.

This digital divide is a growing concern, particularly for an aging population and those with lower educational backgrounds, especially in rural areas. The ombudsman for the elderly also flagged this issue in the spring. Beyond basic usage, there are worries about how individuals unfamiliar with the digital world will cope with misinformation, scams, and the increasing prevalence of AI, which blurs the lines of message authenticity.

The report points to Finland's existing network of adult education centers, summer universities, and study centers as a ready-made solution. It recommends these institutions offer digital courses to bridge the skills gap. A successful strategy involves collaborating with local clubs and associations to deliver training within familiar community settings, thereby increasing motivation and accessibility.

Recalling a successful "Skills for the Digital Age" program funded in 2018 by the then-government, the report urges the current administration, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, to allocate new funding for a similar initiative. This program, initially championed by Orpo when he was finance minister, proved effective, but the need for such training has only grown.