Active ageing in Italy: evidence from the PASSI d’Argento surveillance system, 2023–2024

Background

The PASSI d’Argento monitors health, participation, and security among adults ≥65 years in Italy, in line with the Active Ageing strategy of the World Health Organization. This study describes the profile of older adults and identifies priority areas for intervention.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of a representative sample of over 35,000 adults aged ≥65 years residing in Italy, interviewed in 2023–2024. Indicators related to the three pillars of active ageing were analyzed: health and autonomy, social participation, and security/access to services.

Results

Poor self-rated health was reported by 7% of 65–74-year-olds and 16% of ≥ 85-year-olds; depressive symptoms affected 7% and 13%, respectively. Overall, 57% reported at least one chronic disease (72% among ≥85), and 22% multimorbidity (37% among ≥85). Disability (≥1 ADL limitation) affected 14% (42% among ≥85), while frailty reached 31% in the oldest group. Care is mainly provided by families (95%). Regarding participation, 29% of older adults act as a resource for family or community, whereas only 7% reported paid work. Social participation declines with age; 14% are at risk of social isolation (31% among ≥85). About one-third reported difficulties accessing health or commercial services; 8% perceived their neighborhood as unsafe and 7% reported housing problems. Socioeconomic and gender inequalities affect all outcomes, with worse conditions among individuals with lower education or economic difficulties and among women.

Conclusions

Findings highlight both strengths and critical issues in ageing in Italy: while overall self-rated health is relatively good, significant challenges remain in terms of chronic conditions, disability, social isolation, and access to services

Key messages

• Although many older adults report good health, relevant challenges persist in chronic conditions, disability, social isolation, and access to services.

• It is a priority to strengthen prevention, integrated care, and social inclusion, reduce inequalities, and support caregiving systems to promote active ageing in Italy.