Italy’s indicators for youth welfare are among the lowest in Europe, with almost one in two 18-34-year-olds – the equivalent of nearly 4.9 million young people – showing at least one sign of deprivation, according to the ISTAT annual report for 2023, presented on Friday.
Education and employment are the two areas in which young Italians face the greatest challenges, as indicated by the national statistics agency. The ISTAT report reveals that a staggering 1.7 million individuals aged 15 to 29, almost one-fifth of the total, find themselves outside the realms of education, employment, or training (NEET–“not engaged in education, employment or training”). Italy still lags over seven points behind the European Union average, ranking second only to Romania in NEET proportions.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance educational opportunities and create pathways to gainful employment for the country’s young population.
In addition to the challenges faced by the youth, Italy struggles with a rapidly aging population. According to ISTAT’s findings, the number of centenarians has reached a record high, with 22,000 ultra-centenarians recorded as of January 1, 2023, marking an increase of over 2,000 individuals from the previous year, with, women consistently accounting for over 80% of the total number of centenarians since the year 2000.
This demographic shift has significant implications for Italy’s healthcare, social support systems, and long-term planning. ISTAT’s projections for 2041 indicate that Italy will be home to over 6 million individuals aged over 80 and up to 1.4 million individuals aged over 90. This demographic trend, with serious socio-economic repercussions, necessitates proactive measures to ensure the well-being, healthcare, and social inclusion of the elderly population.
The ISTAT annual report for 2023 highlights the precarious situation of Italy’s youth as well as the challenges posed by its aging population. In order to prevent the escalation of the trend becoming a full-blown crisis, the Italian government and relevant stakeholders must prioritize youth welfare. This includes implementing targeted strategies to improve education, expand employment opportunities, and address the issue of NEET individuals. At the same time, proactive planning must be devised and implemented to cater to the growing needs of an aging population. By focusing on these vital aspects, Italy can pave the way for a more inclusive, balanced, and resilient society for all its citizens.
