Leader: Elena Pirani (UNIFI); Other collaborator(s): Giammarco Alderotti (UNIFI), Revathi Palat Rao (UNIFI) Daniele Vignoli (UNIFI), Cecilia Tomassini (UNIMOL)
(Re-)marriage, separation, non-marital cohabitations are newer and more and more common life events among middle-aged and older adults, and one may expect a further growing diffusion in a context of increasing life expectancy and changing family behaviours of contemporary societies. Nevertheless, research on family dynamics of this population segment, and their relations with health, is rather scarce in the Italian context. Task 2.6 will first provide an up-to-date description of the union formation and dissolution behaviours of older adults in Italy. Second, we will offer grounded evidence on the mechanisms linking family behaviours in old age and wellbeing of elderly people, considering gender a salient variable in this relationship.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results: To provide a general overview of older Italian living conditions, the team investigated the connection between the living environment of Italian elderly and their satisfaction with life, as a measure of general well-being. Specifically, by considering Istat survey data from the years 2013 to 2020, we evaluated the role of housing property and conditions (e.g., number of people in the house, conditions of the dwelling, costs), together with the quality of the immediate environment where individuals live, focusing on individuals aged 65 and over.
We show that the indoor living environment is crucial in determining the life satisfaction of old people, and this aspect deserves further attention, also considering that old people spend the majority of their time at home. Specifically, our findings demonstrate that home-ownership, which is intended to offer a sense of independence, achievement, and financial security, positively impacts older adults' life satisfaction, but this can be negatively reduced by housing-related expenses, poor living conditions, and limited housing space. Furthermore, the study highlights how neighbourhood characteristics, i.e. the liveability and accessibility of services in the surrounding area, are critical factors that directly impact the well-being and satisfaction of older adults. As individuals age, accessing essential services, amenities, and social opportunities within their local community becomes increasingly important.
In brief, living comfortably and securely in one's own homes and communities can increase life satisfaction, reducing stress and anxiety. Friendly living environments, indoor and outdoor, may support independent living, social cohesion and overall well-being, meeting ageing population's evolving needs.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications: Overall, our findings highlight the importance of creating and maintaining supportive living environments that promote well-being for individuals and communities. By considering various facets and perspectives of environmental quality, the study may be of interest to policymakers and urban planners: gaining insights into dimensions that hold meaning for residents and where their needs remain unaddressed might furnish community developers with valuable information to promote inclusive communities.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results: The team set the line to explore union formation among Italian elderly. The dataset has been prepared, and a literature review has been done.
Data Analysis: Analysis of secondary data is currently in progress.
Scientific Publications: Writing of scientific articles is either completed or ongoing (refer to the publications section).
Dissemination Activities: Dissemination efforts are ongoing.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results
Using FSS Italian data, our findings show that re-marriage, separation, and non-marital cohabitations start to become common life events also among middle-aged and older adults, leading to richer and varied family arrangements. On average, two out of three Italians aged 50 and over are in a married couple, slightly less than 30% is not in an intimate relationship at the time of the survey, and only a reduced percentage is living with a partner in a non-marital relationship or in a LAT relationship. Important differences by sex and age appear. The situation is especially intriguing when considering the previous partnership history of older individuals. It is also interesting to note a higher degree of heterogamy for cohabiting or LAT couples, an aspect that deserves further deepening (research is still ongoing).
As for family dissolution, Daniele Vignoli and Giammarco Alderotti (researchers of this Spoke) examined the impact of health status on the likelihood of "silver splits" (voluntary union dissolutions after age 50) in Europe (SHARE data). Employing discrete-time event history analysis, the study found that health issues, particularly poor mental health and gendered differences in health status, significantly affect the stability of unions among couples aged 50–64. Among couples in the early phase of old age (50–64), gendered health-related selection effects are at play, with men struggling more than women with a partner’s deteriorating health, jeopardizing the couple’s stability. The effect weakens for couples where at least one partner is 65 or older. The study highlights the role of health as a stressor on union stability, particularly in the early phases of old age.
Data Analysis: Analysis of secondary data is currently in progress.
Scientific Publications: Writing of scientific articles is either completed or ongoing (refer to the publications section).
Dissemination Activities: Dissemination efforts are ongoing.