The Geography of Frail Ageing in Italy: Longevity, Non-Self-Sufficiency and Implications for Assistance Benefits

This paper examines the geography of frail ageing in Italy by analysing how longevity, health conditions, non-self-sufficiency and assistance needs intersect across territories. Its distinctive contribution lies in moving beyond a purely demographic reading of population ageing, linking the extension of life to the quality of later-life survival and to the uneven territorial distribution of public assistance. Drawing on official data from Istat, Eurostat and INPS, this study adopts a regional comparative approach, with evidence disaggregated by sex, age group and macro-area. The analysis combines indicators of demographic structure, residual life expectancy at age 65, healthy life expectancy, severe limitations in daily activities, multimorbidity and assistance benefits. This framework makes it possible to distinguish between ageing as a numerical increase in the older population and ageing as a differentiated condition of vulnerability, dependency and welfare need. The findings show that Italy’s high longevity conceals marked territorial and gender inequalities. While the centre–north displays more favourable survival and health profiles, the south and the islands have higher levels of frailty, functional limitations and reliance on public assistance. Women appear to be particularly exposed to this imbalance, living longer but spending more years in conditions of disability and dependency.