A prominent organization representing senior citizens in Germany is advocating for the formal recognition of a “right to analog living” urging the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its parliamentary group to champion policies ensuring continued access to essential services without reliance on internet access. Several proposals addressing this issue are scheduled for discussion at the Senioren-Union’s federal delegates’ assembly, commencing Thursday in Magdeburg.
Helge Benda, acting federal chairman of the Senioren-Union, explained to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that many seniors grew up and lived their lives primarily in a non-digital world. While acknowledging that the use of digital technology is present, he emphasized it doesn’t constitute the central focus of their daily experiences.
The Senioren-Union contends that core components of everyday life – including banking, shopping and the purchase of transportation tickets – must remain accessible through traditional, non-digital methods. Benda stated this accessibility is integral to maintaining autonomy and dignity in later life and is a key concern for their membership. The organization seeks political support to guarantee continued options for those who prefer or require non-digital means of conducting essential tasks.