Digital reading made easy: e-paper advice for seniors on site!

Digital reading made easy: e-paper advice for seniors on site!

An exciting innovation has been established in the digital world since September 2025: “Freie Wort” now offers e-paper advice directly at home. Digital expert Martin Blaufuß is the man of the hour, personally visiting older readers to explain the advantages of digital reading. The initiative is very popular, especially among seniors like 85-year-old Gisela König-Schlott, who now wants to read her daily newspaper conveniently on her cell phone. During his visits, Blaufuß explains that the digital edition is available anytime and anywhere - even before the traditional print edition.

The digital version is a real benefit for subscribers: you receive activation for the e-paper edition free of charge. There is also access to older editions, puzzle magazines and television guides, which can also be found online. Gisela König-Schlott appreciates regional reporting and wants to stay informed, especially abroad. Martin Blaufuß is not only available to answer technical questions, but also sets up the devices to make it easier to get started with digital reading. If you are interested, you can make an appointment by calling 03681 792413 (office) or 03681 851107 (Martin Blaufuß).

Digital media for seniors

A further step towards digital participation for older people is the introduction of an e-paper subscription that includes a free senior tablet. This tablet is not only user-friendly, but ready to use with pre-installed apps such as Nordwest ePaper and NWZonline. The equipment even includes a table charging station and a 10-inch display that is compatible with hearing aids. This means seniors can access various newspaper titles and local editions even more easily, solve puzzles directly on the tablet and have free access to the digital newspaper archive and the NWZonline app.

Above all, the opportunity to maintain social contacts through digital offerings is of great importance for many older people. Studies show that media use among older people is influenced by their education and income status. Self-confidence plays a crucial role, and many older people are open to technical innovations. However, from around the age of 80, they often have difficulty taking part in public activities. The digital world offers a valuable opportunity for participation, especially for people with mobility impairments.

Support and training

To promote digital media use, appropriate educational and advisory services are essential. A positive attitude towards technology can often be observed among younger seniors and those who are already online. For those who have less experience with digital media, offers such as free online self-study courses from the Evangelisches Medienhaus can be helpful. For example, a course called “Presenting Made Easy” shows how to use laptops and projectors effectively.

The fact that society is getting older and many members of communities and churches belong to the older generation makes it necessary to make digital media barrier-free. They offer great potential for social participation - now is the right time to introduce older people to the world of digital reading. The developments surrounding “Free Word” and the senior tablet show how important it is that all generations can benefit from this digital wave.