What are the active ageing policies in Italy?

With Italy holding Europe's highest median age, its approach to an aging population is a critical subject. Active ageing policies in Italy are a blend of national initiatives and diverse regional programs designed to address key areas like health, social participation, and employment for seniors. The country is working to shift towards a more integrated and community-based model of care.

Quick Summary

Italy's active ageing policies are a mixed model combining national guidelines with varied regional and local implementation, focusing on health, social inclusion, and labor market participation for older adults. Recent reforms prioritize home-based care and support for non-self-sufficient elderly, complemented by initiatives to combat ageism and promote intergenerational solidarity.

Key Points

• Multi-Level Approach: Italian active ageing policy involves coordination between national sectoral policies and significant regional implementation, leading to variation across the country.

• Emphasis on Home Care: Policies strongly favor 'aging in place' with a focus on home-based care services and allowances for non-self-sufficient individuals, supported by national funding and local health authorities.

• Labor Market Engagement: Initiatives like the GOL program and regional incentives aim to enhance older workers' employability, skills, and manage generational shifts in the workforce.

• Social Inclusion and Participation: Programmes combat social isolation, fight ageism, promote financial literacy for seniors, and foster intergenerational solidarity.

• Regional Disparity: Significant differences exist between regions in terms of investment and implementation of services, with disparities notable between Northern and Southern Italy.

• Ongoing Reform: Efforts are underway, including projects stemming from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, to improve and better coordinate policy for the growing elderly population.

The Context of Italy's Aging Population

Italy faces significant demographic challenges, possessing the highest median age and old-age dependency ratio in the European Union. A high life expectancy combined with one of the world's lowest birth rates has led to a rapidly aging and shrinking population. This demographic shift puts considerable pressure on the welfare system and requires a robust policy response to ensure the well-being and active participation of older adults. Historically, Italy has relied heavily on family networks for elderly support, but societal changes have increased the need for formal public and private assistance.

The National vs. Regional Policy Approach

Unlike some countries with a single national framework, active ageing in Italy is currently addressed through a variety of sectoral policies implemented by different ministries and, crucially, by regional and local authorities. While national guidelines exist and are influenced by international agreements like the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), regional governments often have more explicit, dedicated framework laws and welfare programs. This creates a system with significant regional variation in policy implementation, service availability, and funding.

Key Pillars of Active Ageing Policy

Italian policy initiatives are structured around three main pillars of active ageing: health, employment, and social participation.

Health and Long-Term Care

The National Health Service (SSN) guarantees healthcare for all residents, with regional and local health authorities (ASLs) managing service provision. There is a strong cultural preference and policy emphasis on supporting 'aging in place' rather than institutional care, especially in Southern regions.

• Home Care Services: The SSN provides home care, including scheduled and integrated home care (Assistenza Domiciliare Integrata, or ADI) for non-self-sufficient individuals. Services are determined by multidisciplinary evaluations coordinated by the ASLs.
• Carer's Allowance: A financial benefit (indennità di accompagnamento) is provided to individuals requiring constant assistance, regardless of income, to help cover care costs.
• Targeted Reforms: In 2022, the Council of Ministers approved a draft delegation law, part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), to simplify procedures and better integrate services for non-self-sufficient elderly people.
• Nutritional Initiatives: The Ministry of Health prioritizes healthy nutrition for the elderly to combat malnutrition, with projects promoting education and screening.

Employment and Lifelong Learning

Policies aim to keep older adults engaged in the workforce and facilitate skills development.

• The GOL Program: The Programma GOL (Garanzia di Occupabilità dei Lavoratori) focuses on enhancing employability for various vulnerable groups, including older persons, through tailored training and personalized employment services.
• Skills Development: The National Strategic Plan for the Development of Adult Population Skills aims to bridge skill gaps, including digital literacy, for the adult population.
• Regional Labor Initiatives: Some regions offer innovative programs, such as the Lazio region's Pact Between Generations which provides incentives for companies that hire young workers as senior employees near retirement.
• Pension Reforms: Past reforms have gradually raised retirement ages to address demographic shifts, though some exemptions exist for strenuous jobs.

Social Participation and Inclusion

These policies address social isolation and promote the continued involvement of older adults in their communities.

• Intergenerational Solidarity: Initiatives like the Conciliamo call for work-family balance and specific regional campaigns work to foster understanding and reduce ageism between generations.
• Anti-Fraud Directives: The Ministry of the Interior has implemented directives to combat fraud targeting older persons through protocols with municipalities and banks.
• Community and Volunteering: Non-profit organizations and grassroots movements play a vital role, with some offering robust support networks and volunteering opportunities for seniors.

Comparison: Central vs. Regional Policy Implementation

Aspect	National Policy	Regional Policy
Legislative Framework	Relies on sectoral initiatives and constitutional principles; no single framework law yet.	Many regions have specific framework laws and programs, though implementation varies.
Implementation	Guidelines and funding managed by ministries (e.g., Health, Labor); coordinated through projects like the 2019 multilevel project.	Implemented by local ASLs and municipalities; heavily influenced by regional budgets and priorities.
Funding	National funding via government budgets (e.g., support for non-self-sufficient elderly).	Regional budgets determine additional services and funding levels, leading to disparities.
Focus	Broad themes of social inclusion, labor, and healthcare; recent push via NRRP.	Often more tailored and specific to regional needs and demographics (e.g., different labor initiatives).

Future Directions for Active Ageing in Italy

The fragmented nature of Italy's policies presents both challenges and opportunities. While regional autonomy allows for targeted solutions, it also creates disparities in service provision, especially between the more affluent North and the less-resourced South. Efforts like the 2019 national coordination project aim to bridge this gap and create a more cohesive and coordinated national strategy. The successful integration of home care, lifelong learning, and social initiatives will depend on continued collaboration between all levels of government and civil society.

Looking forward, policies are focusing on strengthening territorial healthcare, promoting greater intergenerational understanding, and ensuring social and economic security for older adults. The emphasis remains on empowering seniors to live independently and continue participating actively in society for as long as possible. For more insights into Italy's policy landscape, the UNECE maintains a detailed Ageing Policies Database for Italy that tracks national and regional developments.

Conclusion

Active ageing policies in Italy reflect the nation's demographic reality, prioritizing initiatives that support the elderly's health, employment, and social integration. While the system is a complex mix of national directives and regionally diverse implementation, recent and ongoing efforts, particularly through the NRRP, aim to create a more coordinated and robust support structure. The continued evolution of these policies is crucial for ensuring that Italy's aging population can enjoy a high quality of life and remain active members of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are active ageing policies coordinated in Italy?

Active ageing policies in Italy are coordinated through a multi-level approach involving national sectoral ministries and regional authorities. A 2019 project was launched to improve this coordination and potentially develop a national strategy.

What is the focus of health policy for seniors in Italy?

The policy focuses on home and community-based care to help seniors age in place. Services are provided through the National Health Service and local health authorities, with recent reforms targeting non-self-sufficient elderly.

Does Italy offer financial support for family caregivers?

Yes, Italy provides an indennità di accompagnamento (carer's allowance) for non-self-sufficient individuals, which helps support family caregivers. Other tax deductions may also apply for care-related expenses.

How does Italy promote employment for older adults?

Italy promotes employment through active labor market programs like Programma GOL, skills training initiatives, and, in some regions, incentives for generational turnover in the workforce.

Are active ageing policies the same throughout Italy?

No, there are significant regional differences in the implementation and extent of active ageing policies due to regional autonomy. Regions, particularly in the North, often have more developed framework laws and programs than those in the South.

What initiatives exist to combat ageism and promote social inclusion?

Initiatives include public campaigns against multigenerational stereotypes (e.g., in Bolzano) and projects that encourage intergenerational solidarity and combat social isolation. There are also projects focusing on financial literacy to protect seniors.

How can I find more information about Italian policies?

For detailed information on Italian policies, you can consult official government sources such as the Ministry of Health and the National Social Security Institute (INPS), or international policy databases like the UNECE's Ageing Policies Database for Italy.