Leader: Marco Alberio (UNIBO); Other collaborator(s): UNIBA
Mobilities and aging have been often perceived in opposition. However, due to demographic and cultural transformations the situation is now changing. This task will study the migration processes of Italian elderlies leaving Italy. Through a qualitative approach we will consider the motivations (preference and ambitions for a different life style, family reunion with migrant children, cost of living etc.), the construction of the time frame of this migration patterns and the daily life experiences to understand how the integration process happens and what it means to get old far from home. From an institutional and political perspective, we will focus on the role of welfare and financial systems, both in the hosting country and in Italy.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results
Field Research
Organisation of fieldwork activities in Spain and Albania, including semi-structured interviews and ethnographic field notes.
The fieldwork design focused on the daily life experiences, mobility trajectories, and integration processes of Italian retirees living abroad. Preliminary data collection included interviews with key informants such as representatives of local Italian associations, Com.It.Es members, and community organisations supporting older Italians overseas.
Quantitative Survey
Finalisation of the survey questionnaire aimed at mapping socio-economic profiles, motivations, and transnational family relationships among Italian retirees abroad.
Contract signing with the Laboratory of Political and Social Analysis (LAPS), University of Siena, for technical support in data management and analysis.
Completion and ethical validation of participant consent and privacy forms, later submitted to LAPS for data protection compliance.
Open Science Plan
Preparation of the Open Science Plan (cross-referenced with Task 4), defining data management, FAIR principles, and dissemination strategies for the outputs produced in Task 3.4.
Seminars and Workshops
Active participation in and organisation of a cycle of three scientific seminars on ageing and mobility, coordinated within the Age-It network and the Alma-Aging programme (University of Bologna):
These seminars fostered dialogue between researchers, policy-makers, and stakeholders engaged in the study of ageing and migration in Southern Europe.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Transcription, coding, and preliminary analysis of qualitative data using NVivo software.
Collection of administrative data in collaboration with INPS concerning Italian retirees residing abroad, enabling cross-country comparisons between pension flows and demographic trends.
Scientific Outputs and Dissemination
Submission of two papers to peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Gerontology and Ageing and Social Change).
Acceptance of conference papers at:
Supervision of a Master’s student within the framework of the project (R15), focusing on the intersection of retirement migration and family care networks.
Analysis of secondary data (AVQ–ISTAT) and preparation of three joint papers with L. Vergolini and P. Pasetti, addressing the determinants of lifestyle, wellbeing, and health among Italian retirees abroad.
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge-transfer and outreach activities carried out in collaboration with the HUB, including preliminary engagement with migrant associations and communication of early research findings to institutional partners.
Field Research
Organisation and execution of a field visit in Tenerife (Spain), focusing on the experiences and mobility trajectories of Italian retirees residing on the island.
A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Italian retirees and key institutional and community actors, including embassy staff, local associations, and Com.It.Es representatives.
The interviews explored motivations for migration, transnational family relations, perceptions of ageing abroad, and daily practices of integration.
Field notes were systematically collected to support contextual and ethnographic analysis.
Quantitative Survey
Coordination with administrative offices to finalise the collaboration agreement with the Laboratory of Political and Social Analysis (LAPS), University of Siena.
Joint development and testing of the survey questionnaire were completed, with particular attention to the reliability and validity of measures concerning lifestyle, wellbeing, and transnational engagement among older migrants.
The survey was distributed for quantitative data collection and is currently being monitored for response quality and representativeness.
Administrative and Secondary Data
Contacts were established and formal collaboration initiated with INPS, enabling access to original administrative data on Italian retirees receiving pensions abroad.
Preliminary analyses of the INPS dataset were conducted to identify geographical patterns of retirement migration and differences in pension flows across destination countries.
Complementary secondary data (AVQ–ISTAT) were analysed to explore health conditions, living standards, and lifestyle patterns among older adults, with an emphasis on socioeconomic determinants of wellbeing.
Interview Analysis
A total of 60 interviews collected during field visits in Tunisia, Portugal, and Spain were transcribed and anonymised.
Qualitative data were coded and analysed using NVivo software, following a thematic approach.
A shared codebook was developed collaboratively to ensure conceptual coherence and intercoder reliability, allowing systematic categorisation of themes related to ageing, mobility, and welfare.
MIGR-AGING Section Creation
The MIGR-AGING section was developed within the Alma-Aging website (University of Bologna).
This online space showcases research activities, disseminates project outputs, and promotes participation among Italian communities abroad.
It also serves as a repository for updates, publications, and calls for collaboration, contributing to the project’s open-science and outreach goals.
Scientific Article Writing
Drafting of academic papers addressing the intersections between ageing, mobility, and health:
“Retracing family relationships among elderly migrants on the move: the case of retired Italians living outside Italy” (Alberio M., Lomonaco A., Resende S.A.V.).
“Exploring the determinants of health in the ageing population: the key role of education and socioeconomic context” (Alberio M., Lomonaco A., Resende S.A.V., Pasetti P., Vergolini L.).
These papers aim to advance the comparative understanding of later-life migration and to contribute to the international debate on wellbeing and ageing in transnational contexts.
Field Research
Continuation of field activities in the Mediterranean area.
Transcription of interviews conducted during the field visit in Tenerife (Spain).
Organisation of the fourth fieldwork phase in Albania, including the identification of key stakeholders, contact with Italian associations and institutional actors, and detailed logistical planning.
The Albanian field site was selected for its relevance as an emerging destination for Italian retirees seeking affordable lifestyles and strong social networks.
Quantitative Survey
Ongoing distribution and monitoring of the quantitative survey, carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory of Political and Social Analysis (LAPS) at the University of Siena.
Efforts were made to expand the respondent base through targeted dissemination channels, including Italian associations abroad and online communities of retirees.
Continuous coordination was maintained to ensure data quality, coverage, and representativeness.
Administrative and Secondary Data
Formal collaboration with INPS continued to ensure access to administrative data on Italian retirees receiving pensions abroad.
Data preparation and harmonisation were completed for integration with secondary sources such as AVQ–ISTAT, allowing the exploration of lifestyle and wellbeing patterns among older Italians in different destination contexts.
Preliminary cross-country comparisons highlighted socio-economic and health disparities related to migration trajectories.
Interview Analysis
Transcription, anonymisation, and coding of 60 qualitative interviews collected across Tunisia, Portugal, and Spain were completed.
Analysis was conducted using NVivo software, applying a structured thematic framework developed within the project’s shared codebook.
The categorisation process focused on recurring themes such as transnational family ties, perceptions of ageing abroad, and adaptation strategies in local contexts.
Scientific Article Writing
Ongoing drafting of academic papers addressing key issues of ageing, mobility, and wellbeing in later life.
Preliminary findings from the qualitative and quantitative strands were integrated to support comparative analyses and prepare joint publications with project partners.
Qualitative Field Research
Completion of the transcription and preliminary analysis of interviews conducted during field visits in Durrës (Albania) and Tenerife (Spain).
Planning and organisation of the fifth and sixth fieldwork phases in Albania (October 2024 and January 2025) and Spain (May 2024 and January 2025), including the identification of key stakeholders, refinement of research protocols, and logistical coordination.
These field visits aim to deepen the comparative analysis of retirees’ experiences across diverse Mediterranean contexts, highlighting both local specificities and transnational continuities in lifestyle, integration, and wellbeing.
Quantitative Survey
Ongoing distribution and monitoring of the survey, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Political and Social Analysis (LAPS) at the University of Siena.
The survey targets Italian retirees residing abroad and explores the determinants of wellbeing, transnational family practices, and perceptions of ageing in migration.
Outreach and dissemination activities were strengthened through the MigrAging communication platform, enhancing visibility and participation across target communities.
Administrative and Secondary Data
Collaboration with INPS continued for access to and analysis of original administrative data on Italian pensioners living abroad.
Analyses of the INPS dataset and complementary sources such as AVQ–ISTAT were conducted to investigate lifestyle patterns, socio-economic inequalities, and regional variations in ageing conditions among Italian retirees.
This integrated approach allows cross-validation between administrative, survey, and qualitative data sources.
Interview Analysis
Transcription, anonymisation, and coding of approximately 80 qualitative interviews from fieldwork in Tunisia, Portugal, Albania, and Spain were completed.
Data were analysed using NVivo software, applying a systematic thematic coding framework to identify key analytical dimensions, including transnational belonging, ageing and care practices, and the negotiation of identity and wellbeing across borders.
Scientific Article Writing
Drafting of academic papers addressing the intersection of ageing, mobility, multi-locality, and wellbeing in later life.
Preliminary findings were incorporated into joint manuscripts under preparation for submission to international peer-reviewed journals, contributing to comparative and theoretical debates on transnational ageing and retirement migration.
Field Research
Implementation of the fifth and sixth fieldwork phases in Albania (26–31 January 2025) and Spain (16–23 January 2025).
Activities included logistical coordination, participant recruitment, and refinement of interview protocols based on insights from previous fieldwork rounds.
Fieldwork in both sites focused on understanding cross-national variations in lifestyle, wellbeing, and transnational engagement among Italian retirees.
Preliminary observations highlight the interplay between local welfare systems, housing dynamics, and cultural adaptation in shaping later-life mobility.
Qualitative Analysis
Transcription, anonymisation, and coding of approximately 80 interviews conducted during the fieldwork phases in Tunisia, Portugal, Albania, and Spain were completed.
Qualitative analysis was performed using NVivo software, following a systematic and iterative coding procedure.
Data categorisation aimed to extract meaningful insights related to the central research themes of ageing, mobility, and multi-locality, with special attention to patterns of belonging, wellbeing, and intergenerational care.
Quantitative and Secondary Data Analysis
Analysis of secondary data sources, including AVQ–ISTAT, was undertaken to explore lifestyle and wellbeing patterns among older Italians abroad.
The integration of administrative, survey, and qualitative evidence allowed for a triangulated understanding of retirement migration and transnational ageing.
Scientific Outputs
Finalisation and submission of two papers to international peer-reviewed journals.
Additional academic manuscripts on ageing, mobility, multi-locality, and wellbeing are currently in progress, consolidating empirical findings and advancing theoretical perspectives within the field of migration and ageing studies.
Collaboration and Coordination
Continuous communication and coordination among project partners were maintained through regular internal and WP3 meetings, ensuring alignment with project objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
Interdisciplinary collaborations were further developed:
Workshops and Knowledge Transfer
Organisation of a project seminar with Prof. Loretta Baldassar (10 March 2025) focused on ageing, mobility, and transnational care.
Planning and coordination of a knowledge-transfer field activity in collaboration with M. Moralli, V. Moretti, and Italian residents in Portugal, scheduled for October 2025.
This activity aims to co-produce knowledge with local communities and promote mutual learning between researchers and Italian migrants abroad.
Qualitative Field Research
Analytical reports were produced based on the four completed fieldwork phases conducted in Tunisia, Portugal, Albania, and Spain.
These reports synthesise qualitative evidence on the lived experiences, motivations, and wellbeing of Italian retirees abroad, with a comparative perspective across different Mediterranean contexts.
In parallel, planning has begun for a new fieldwork cycle scheduled for October 2025 in Portugal, framed as a knowledge mobilization and co-creation activity.
This initiative is being developed collaboratively with local partners and Italian communities abroad. Current efforts focus on stakeholder mapping, community engagement, and logistical coordination to facilitate participatory data collection and knowledge exchange.
Quantitative Survey
The collaboration with the Laboratory of Political and Social Analysis (LAPS) at the University of Siena was successfully concluded.
A new survey procedure is now being developed to expand the sample size and reach a more diverse population of Italian retirees living abroad.
This next phase will enhance the statistical robustness of the dataset and enable more comprehensive cross-country comparisons.
Administrative and Secondary Data
The collaboration with INPS continues to provide access to administrative data on Italian pensioners residing abroad.
A scientific article based on this analysis has been finalised and is currently under review in a peer-reviewed journal.
These administrative data are being integrated with AVQ–ISTAT and survey findings to examine trends in transnational ageing, economic conditions, and welfare access.
Scientific Publications
Two scientific articles were finalised during the reporting period and submitted to national and international peer-reviewed journals.
In addition, a book chapter has been accepted for publication in the AIS “Sezione Territorio” volume.
Further manuscripts are in preparation, focusing on:
These outputs aim to strengthen the project’s contribution to the fields of ageing, mobility, and transnational sociology.
Conferences and Workshops
The research team actively participated in major international conferences, including the 5th ISA Forum of Sociology, where two papers were accepted and presented in RC11 (Sociology of Ageing) and RC28 (Social Stratification) sessions.
These presentations facilitated scholarly exchange and visibility for the MigrAging project within international research networks.
Dissemination and Knowledge Transfer
The MIGR-AGING section on the Alma-Aging website (University of Bologna) continues to be regularly updated with project news, materials, and publications.
A co-creation activity is being designed in collaboration with Professors M. Moralli and V. Moretti, involving Italian citizens living in Portugal (scheduled for October 2025).
This participatory initiative aims to integrate creative research methods, promote social engagement, and disseminate the project’s findings to non-academic audiences.
Qualitative Research and Analysis
Quantitative Survey
Scientific Publications
Conferences, Workshops, and Knowledge Transfer
Dissemination and Public Engagement
Scientific and Editorial Publications
Conference Papers and Proceedings (chronological order)
Seminars, Knowledge-Transfer, and Third-Mission Activities
Dissemination Platforms and Outreach