Mapping the gaps: a spatial cluster analysis of social services for the elderly in Italy

With one of the lowest birth rates in decades and an increasing life expectancy, Italy's population is aging rapidly, leading to significant demographic shifts. Generational renewal is struggling, and in the coming years, a growing number of Italians will enter old age, often facing limited familial support due to the shrinking size and increasing geographic dispersion of families. In this context, the development of a robust and equitable social welfare system for the elderly becomes paramount. Such a system can alleviate the burden on families and provide vital support to elderly individuals during the later stages of life. This thesis examines the current state of social services for the elderly in Italy, with a specific focus on the territorial disparities in the availability and quality of these services across different regions. Employing an empirical approach, the study analyzes data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and applies the spatial cluster analysis algorithm SKATER (Spatial ‘K’luster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal) to identify patterns and inequalities. The findings aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on enhancing social welfare policies to ensure equitable support for Italy's aging population.