Population ageing is increasing the demand for long-term care while shrinking the pool of potential caregivers. In Italy, informal caregiving provided by relatives, friends and neighbours remains largely invisible despite its crucial role in supporting older people with functional limitations. The article discusses the social relevance of informal care, its unequal distribution, and the limited institutional recognition currently available. It argues that future long-term care policies should protect caregivers independently from the age of the person receiving care.
Albertini, M., Zanasi, F. (2026). Chi si prender? cura degli anziani? Invecchiamento della popolazione e caregiving informale. POLITICHE SOCIALI, 13(2), 287-291 [10.7389/121436].
Chi si prender? cura degli anziani? Invecchiamento della popolazione e caregiving informale
Marco Albertini
Primo
;Francesca ZanasiSecondo
2026
Abstract
Population ageing is increasing the demand for long-term care while shrinking the pool of potential caregivers. In Italy, informal caregiving provided by relatives, friends and neighbours remains largely invisible despite its crucial role in supporting older people with functional limitations. The article discusses the social relevance of informal care, its unequal distribution, and the limited institutional recognition currently available. It argues that future long-term care policies should protect caregivers independently from the age of the person receiving care.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.



