Quaderni IRCrES 27 – Capitolo 12
Capitolo 12
Quale futuro per Age-It? Risultati e prospettive*
Looking ahead for Age-It: Main outcomes and future perspectives
Donatella Bramanti(a), Luisa Errichiello(b), Greta Falavigna(c), Sara Nanetti(a), Tiziana Tesauro(d), Mattia Vitiello(e)
(a)Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Largo A. Gemelli 1, 20123 Milano
(b)CNR-ISMed, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Studi sul Mediterraneo, Via Guglielmo Sanfelice 8, 80134 Napoli
(c)CNR-IRCrES, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Ricerca sulla Crescita Economica Sostenibile, Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino
(d)CNR-IRPPS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Ricerca sulla Popolazione e Politiche Sociali, Corso San Vincenzo Ferreri 12, Fisciano (Salerno)
(e)CNR-IRPPS, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Ricerca sulla Popolazione e Politiche Sociali, Via Palestro 32; 00185 Roma
corresponding author: greta.falavigna@cnr.it
Abstract
The purpose of this contribution is to summarize the main results achieved within the PNRR-funded project “Age-It: Ageing Well in an Ageing Society”, conducted by the Institute for Research on Sustainable Economic Growth (CNR‑IRCrES), the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean (CNR‑ISMed), the Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (CNR‑IRPPS), and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. Focusing on the Silver Economy, the research analyzes the socioeconomic impacts of demographic transitions on labor, welfare, and social relations. Key findings reveal that job insecurity for mature workers is driven by digital transformations and the gig economy, where technology can both enhance employability and signal skill obsolescence. Work-life balance is redefined as a relational process; for those over 50, satisfaction depends on social networks and the “care economy”, where family ties often impose uncontracted responsibilities. The research identifies an “unretirable elderly” paradox, contrasting those working for purpose (e.g., artisans) with those forced by financial need, such as immigrant domestic workers. Furthermore, Italian welfare still reflects a “familist” model, leaving family caregivers at risk of economic and social marginalization. Future perspectives advocate for “age-smart” policies, including gradual retirement, digital inclusion, and life-long financial planning. The work highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary perspective and of solid empirical methods. The team combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, showing the value of mixed‑methods research. To bridge the gap between science and policy, the CNR has established a permanent interdisciplinary working group to promote evidence-based strategies that view longevity as a societal resource.
Keywords: healthy and active ageing, labour market, work-life balance, caregiving; unretirable elderly.
DOI: 10.23760/2499-6661.2026.27_12
ISBN: 978-88-98193-42-4
ISSN (online): 2499-6661
How to Cite
Bramanti, D., Errichiello, L., Falavigna, G., Nanetti, S., Tesauro, T., & Vitiello, M. (2026). Quale futuro per Age-It? Risultati e prospettive. In Bramanti, D., Errichiello L., Falavigna, G., & Nanetti, S. (cur.). Quale futuro per un invecchiamento sano e attivo? Alcuni spunti di riflessione dalle ricerche del progetto Age-It e prospettive future (pp. 171-188). Quaderni IRCrES 27. CNR-IRCrES. http://dx.doi.org/10.23760/2499-6661.2026.27_12
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* Questo lavoro è stato realizzato nell’ambito del progetto finanziato da Next Generation EU – “Age-It – Ageing well in an ageing society” (PE0000015), CUP B83C22004880006 – Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) – PE8 – Missione 4, Componente 2, Investimento 1.3. Le opinioni espresse sono esclusivamente degli autori e non riflettono necessariamente quelle dell’Unione Europea o della Commissione Europea. Né l’Unione Europea né la Commissione Europea possono essere ritenute responsabili dei contenuti qui riportati.