Wednesday, November 12, 2025

vdek and DigitalPakt Alter join forces to strengthen digital health literacy among older adults

The Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds (vdek) has become a new partner of the DigitalPakt Alter, a joint initiative of BAGSO – the German National Association of Senior Citizens’ Organizations – and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ). The partnership aims to promote digital health literacy among older adults and strengthen their participation in an increasingly digital society.

The DigitalPakt Alter supports seniors in accessing the digital world through local learning and advisory programs, the promotion of best practices, and the provision of helpful information. The network currently includes 44 partners, including ministries, associations, trade unions, and media authorities. With vdek’s entry, the alliance welcomes its first partner from the healthcare sector.

Substitute Health Funds contribute “Gesund digital”

The substitute health funds (TK, BARMER, DAK-Gesundheit, KKH, hkk, and HEK) are contributing their joint online platform “Gesund digital” to the partnership. The website www.gesund-digital.info provides easy-to-understand texts and videos for people with limited digital experience. It offers clear guidance on using digital health tools such as the electronic patient record (ePA), e-prescriptions, and digital health applications (DiGA).

A recent study highlights the urgency of this initiative: More than 70% of the population in Germany have low digital health literacy – and among those aged 65 and older, the figure rises to around 85%.

Promoting equal opportunities and building trust

“We support the DigitalPakt Alter because it is particularly important to include the older generation and make them fit for the healthcare of tomorrow,” emphasizes Boris von Maydell, representative of the vdek Executive Board. “Digital tools such as ePA, video consultations, and more are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare. It is also the responsibility of health insurers to demonstrate the benefits of these applications and provide support for their use.”

Astrid Mönnikes, project manager at DigitalPakt Alter, adds: “Digitalization is becoming increasingly present in many areas of life, including healthcare. While it offers great opportunities, it can also cause uncertainty. Those with little digital experience must not be left behind. That’s why we are delighted that vdek is joining our alliance with its valuable expertise.”

With this partnership, vdek and DigitalPakt Alter send a strong signal for greater digital inclusion and equal health opportunities for older adults in Germany.