Back to „News Portal”

New project to improve the digital health literacy of older people in Saxony

News from

In the wake of demographic change, Germany’s ageing population is posing an increasing challenge to the healthcare system. An ageing population means a growing need for healthcare. In the Free State of Saxony in particular, the number of people aged 65 and over is particularly high compared with the rest of Germany. One promising solution to this situation lies in the use of digital health services, both to improve healthcare and to prevent disease. However, it is becoming clear that the use of digital health services can be particularly challenging for older people.

Porträtfoto von Prof. Dr. Steffi Riedel-Heller
Professor Steffi Riedel-Heller. Photo: Antje Gildemeister, Leipzig University

The DigiÄmis project was set up to enable older people in Saxony to actively participate in the digital healthcare system. The project will examine the health literacy of older people in Saxony. “Our aim is to identify specific groups in terms of their use and competence in dealing with digital health applications and thus to develop targeted measures to strengthen the digital health literacy of older people,” says Professor Steffi Riedel-Heller, Director of the Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health (ISAP) at Leipzig University.

A total of 3,000 older people will be surveyed about their digital habits and skills in collaboration with the Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE). The survey identifies factors that promote and inhibit the use of digital technologies. The study is complemented by expert interviews with general practitioners and older people. Analysing the factors that influence the use of digital technologies will help to identify needs, barriers and resources. The results of this study will help to address the health challenges of the ageing population in Saxony.

The DigiÄmis project is being funded by the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK) with more than €200,000 from 1 September 2023 to 31 December 2026.