EY has released a comprehensive study examining how older Europeans perceive and engage with artificial intelligence, uncovering significant barriers to adoption among seniors and highlighting a concerning digital divide across the continent.
The report, titled “Understanding older generations’ adoption of AI,” reveals that familiarity with artificial intelligence remains limited within this demographic. Specifically, less than one-third of people aged 60-85 report being familiar with AI, pointing to a substantial knowledge gap that extends across Europe’s aging population.
Trust and Accuracy Concerns Drive Skepticism
The study found widespread doubt about AI reliability among older respondents. Eight in ten seniors acknowledged that AI-generated results are not always accurate, reflecting legitimate concerns about the technology’s dependability. This skepticism appears rooted in real limitations of current AI systems rather than mere unfamiliarity, suggesting that seniors are approaching the technology with healthy caution.
Portugal, Europe’s second-oldest country by median age, exemplifies these broader patterns. According to the research, only 38.7% of the Portuguese population aged 16-74 used AI tools in 2025, with adoption dropping sharply among older age groups. The asymmetrical distribution underscores how technological advancement can inadvertently exclude those most vulnerable to digital exclusion.
Sérgio Ferreira, commenting on Portugal’s situation, emphasized the stakes of this divide: “A entrada da silver economy na era da IA é absolutamente relevante. Num país envelhecido como Portugal, excluir os mais velhos da IA seria excluir uma parte central da sociedade da próxima vaga de serviços, produtividade e autonomia. A IA pode melhorar acesso a saúde, serviços públicos, banca, apoio domiciliário e segurança, mas só criará valor se for desenhada para confiança, simplicidade e inclusão.”
Building Pathways Forward
Rather than simply documenting the divide, EY’s research offers practical recommendations for bridging the gap. The study calls on governments to fund practical AI literacy programs specifically designed for seniors, recognizing that traditional tech training may not address the unique needs and concerns of older learners.
The report also urges companies developing AI products to prioritize simplicity and accessibility in their designs, moving beyond interfaces optimized for tech-savvy younger users. This approach could transform AI from an exclusionary technology into one that genuinely serves diverse populations.
The findings arrive at a critical moment for Europe’s digital transformation agenda. As the continent grapples with AI regulation and implementation, aging demographics in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Germany mean that technology adoption patterns among seniors will significantly influence economic productivity and social cohesion. EY’s research suggests that inclusive AI development is not merely a matter of equity—it represents a fundamental economic imperative for nations facing demographic shifts. Without deliberate efforts to ensure older Europeans can confidently use AI tools, entire segments of the population risk falling further behind in the digital economy.