It is projected that the Italian population aged over 90 will reach one million within the next three years.
Italia Longeva highlights the growing need for support for frail elderly people, predicting that in 20 years, the number will rise to nearly 19 million. Among these, a third will be over 65 and at risk of isolation.
Despite the increase in home care recipients among the elderly, from 252,000 (1.95% of the total) in 2014 to almost 550,000 (3.89%) in 2023, the demand for home assistance remains substantial.
According to data from the Regions reported to the Ministry of Health, over 80,000 additional elderly individuals received home care last year compared to 2022. This is a positive trend, yet it appears insufficient when compared to the needs on the ground. Additionally, 2.88% of over-65s (404,235 people) received residential care (RSA) last year.
Projections for the next 20 years indicate that around 6 million over-65s will be living alone and at risk of isolation. Currently, 64% of people with dementia, a major cause of loss of autonomy in the elderly, do not receive care in social health facilities, placing a significant burden on millions of families.
Insufficient home care services
Insufficient home care services correlate with increased emergency room visits and inappropriate hospitalisations, leading to higher healthcare costs. This information is detailed in the 2024 Survey by Italia Longeva, which uses data from the Ministry of Health’s information system to depict the trend of long-term care in Italy. This survey, presented today at the Ministry of Health, examines the territorial assistance provided to frail citizens according to the intensity of their needs.
“We view the ADI numbers from therRegions with cautious optimism. The aging population and the rise in related diseases – such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia – necessitate accelerating efforts to strengthen and harmonise territorial assistance,” said Roberto Bernabei, president of Italia Longeva.
