Most seniors in Germany view digital health services as a major opportunity. A survey by IT industry association Bitkom found that 92 % of people aged 65 and older welcome the digitalisation of healthcare. The group over 80 is even more enthusiastic, with 95 % positive, compared to 89 % among seniors aged 65‑69.
This optimism translates into growing openness to use digital offerings from doctors and hospitals. Currently, 50 % of Germans 65 and older book medical appointments online-up from 18 % five years ago. An additional 23 % say they might do so in the future. About 37 % now receive appointment reminders by SMS or e‑mail, a rise from 18 % five years earlier, and another 47 % would consider such reminders. Direct communication via e‑mail, chat or messenger is used by 19 % of the older population, while 51 % would be willing to adopt this channel in the future.
When it comes to choosing providers, 41 % of people over 65 use online comparison and review portals for doctors, a sharp increase from 12 % five years ago, and another 27 % would consider doing so later. Telemedicine in the form of video consultations is still used by only 6 %-up from 2 % five years ago-but 41 % of seniors say they would be willing to use it in the future.
The data come from a Bitkom Research survey that interviewed 1,004 German residents aged 65 and older by telephone between weeks 38 and 42 of 2025.