National Seniors conducted an annual survey in 2017, and spoke to members through policy forums held in a number of areas across Australia. Digital issues dominated forum discussions, with some audiences expressing intense frustration at the rate of digital change, and the problems they have using new technologies.

In line with current digital divide research from around the world, this report provides evidence that the digital divide is not drawn only between the young and old (the intergenerational digital divide) but is also evident within the over 50 cohort. Some older Australians are digitally literate and active, while others struggle with many aspects of the digital world (the intragenerational digital divide).