Overview
ISO 25556:2025 - Ageing societies - General requirements and guidelines for ageing-inclusive digital economy - is an international standard that sets out high-level principles, aspects, scenarios and actions for creating a digital economy that is inclusive of older persons. Published by ISO/TC 314 in 2025, the standard targets digital inclusion across public and private sectors and aims to enhance the applicability and credibility of ageing‑inclusive digital policies, products and services. It is applicable to consumers, policymakers, administrations, organizations and other stakeholders in the digital economy.
Key topics and technical scope
ISO 25556:2025 structures its guidance around two main parts: principles and aspects. Key technical topics include:
The standard contains normative sections (terms, scope) plus informative annexes with scenarios and actions to guide implementation. It explicitly focuses on older persons and does not re‑cover detailed information technology, ergonomics or other domain‑specific requirements handled by other standards.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 25556
ISO 25556 is intended for organizations and stakeholders who design, deliver or regulate digital products and services, including:
- Government agencies and public administrations drafting inclusive digital policies
- Service designers and product managers building age‑friendly digital services and intelligent products
- Health and social care providers deploying digital solutions for older adults
- NGOs, community groups and digital inclusion programs developing literacy and outreach
- Businesses seeking to improve accessibility, usability, affordability and trust for older customers
Practically, the standard helps prioritize anti‑ageism measures, accessibility engineering, user‑centred design for older adults, affordable access models, privacy/security safeguards, and digital literacy strategies.
Related standards
ISO 25556 complements other ISO/IEC standards and technical guidance that address specific information technology, ergonomics, assistive technologies and implementation details. Organizations should apply ISO 25556’s high‑level requirements alongside relevant technical standards for IT, human factors and accessibility to achieve a fully ageing‑inclusive digital economy.
Keywords: ISO 25556, ageing‑inclusive digital economy, digital inclusion, age‑friendly design, accessibility, digital literacy, older persons.
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