UNMET NEEDS AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF OLDER PERSONS

RESEARCH:  in the Province of Treviso

STUDY: carried out by ISRAA Treviso, IFFD, International Federation for Family Development, IPC -Facultés libres de philosophie et de psychologie, Paris,

SUPPORT: Erasmus+ programme, President of the Regional Council of the Veneto Region, Roberto Ciambetti, Mayor of Treviso, Mario Conte, President of ISRAA Mauro Michielon

CONDUCTION IPC Facultés libres de philosophie et de psychologie, Paris Students

Sixtine De Barbarin, Jean Blyt, Marie Symington and Wallerend De Maulmin,The study, conducted in July 2025 and supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, was led by ISRAA-Istituto per Servizi di Ricovero e Assistenza agli Anziani, IFFD- International Federation for Family Development, and IPC -Facultés libres de philosophie et de psychologie, Paris, in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development. It aimed to identify the unmet needs and living conditions of people aged 65 and over in Treviso, focusing on their social and family inclusion to inform local policies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a 24-question survey with a focus group of 20 participants. The survey, available both online and in paper form, reached seniors through associations, social media, and pharmacies. Participants were divided into three age groups (65–74, 75–84, 85+) and asked about access to services, social connections, health, finances, and technology. Data collection was anonymized and ethically managed. Findings reveal major inequalities in access to healthcare, transportation, green spaces, housing adaptations, and technology. The oldest group (85+) faces the greatest risks of isolation, financial insecurity, and lack of support. Bureaucratic complexity, digital barriers, and poor information flow make family networks the main—often unpaid—source of care. Well-being is strongly tied to health, autonomy, social engagement, and financial stability, while loneliness and poor health predict low satisfaction. Rapid digitalization is deepening the generational divide. To improve seniors’ daily lives, the report recommends better accessibility (transport, local centers, housing support), simplified administration, and AI-based assistants for communication and access to services. It also advocates intergenerational activities, awareness campaigns, and age-adapted sports to enhance inclusion and well-being. Finally, the study calls for recognition of human, altruistic care and greater social visibility for older adults.

• Contact Name: Dr.Oscar Zanutto
• Contact Position: Head of the Innovation and Development Department at ISRAA, Treviso
• Region: Europe
• Annual Monitoring Report: 2025
• Aim of the Good Practice: To identify and address the needs and living conditions of older adults (65+) in the province of Treviso, improving access to essential services, promoting social inclusion, supporting family caregivers, and enhancing overall quality of life and autonomy.
• Target Group of the Good Practice: Older adults aged 65 and over living in the province of Treviso, Veneto, Italy.
• Implementation period: June-July 2025
• Consistency over time of the Good Practice: The good practice is sustainable and replicable over time, as it relies on established institutions such as ISRAA, IFFD, and IPC, which continue to operate locally. The methodology of combining surveys and focus groups allows the study to be repeated periodically, updating data on the needs and living conditions of older adults in Treviso and could serve as model at local level for other Regions and Countries. The reliance on family support and local community networks further ensures that the practice can be maintained without requiring extensive new resources. This approach makes it adaptable and relevant for ongoing monitoring and policy development for older adult care.
• Evaluation of the Good Practice: The evaluation of the good practice was carried out using a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey (24 questions, 300 responses) and qualitative focus groups. This allowed researchers to assess the living conditions, needs, and challenges faced by older adults (65+) in the province of Treviso. The results highlighted disparities in access to essential services, housing adaptation, and digital use, as well as recurring issues such as social isolation, economic insecurity, and difficulties in accessing social support. Evaluation was also based on feedback from participants and guidance from supervisors and local institutions, which confirmed the relevance, practicality, and impact of the study. Overall, the evaluation demonstrates that the good practice is effective in identifying critical needs of the older adult population and informing local social policies, while being replicable and adaptable over time.
• Key stakeholders and partnerships: ISRAA (Istituto per Servizi di Ricovero e Assistenza agli Anziani) – main implementing organization; responsible for project coordination and fieldwork. • Key contacts: Ms. Adele De Stefani, Ms. Marta Mattarucco, Ms. Sara Ceron, Mr. Oscar Zanutto (internship supervisor), Mr. Mauro Michielon (President). IFFD (International Federation for Family Development) – project initiator and training provider. • Key contact: Professor Ignacio Socias. IPC (Facultés libres de philosophie et de psychologie) – academic partner providing methodological support and guidance. • Key contact: Mr. Emmanuel Brochier (Dean). Local authorities and community partners – facilitated implementation and outreach. • Dr. Giuseppe Losego (President of the Board of Pharmacists of Treviso) – supported questionnaire distribution through pharmacies. • President Roberto Ciambetti (President of the Regional Council of Veneto). • Mr. Mario Conte (Mayor of Treviso). Erasmus+programme support
• Link for more information: https://familyperspective.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/israa.pdf
• Future Goal 1: Increase digital literacy and access to new technologies among older adults, particularly those over 85, to bridge the digital divide identified in the study. This includes providing training programs, user-friendly digital tools, and ongoing support to help seniors access healthcare information, social services, and opportunities for social interaction. Improving digital skills will empower older adults to participate more actively in society, reduce social isolation, and facilitate communication with family, caregivers, and local institutions.access to services and social connections.
• Future Goal 2: Enhance housing adaptation and access to essential services for elderly people, addressing disparities highlighted in the study. This goal involves promoting safe, comfortable, and accessible living environments, as well as improving access to healthcare, transportation, and green spaces. By focusing on both physical infrastructure and service availability, this objective aims to preserve autonomy, ensure safety, and increase life satisfaction for older adults living in the province.
• Future Goal 3: Reinforce community networks, family support systems, and public services to address issues of social isolation, economic insecurity, and administrative difficulties, especially for the most vulnerable seniors. This includes better coordination between families, social services, local authorities, and healthcare providers, as well as providing clear information and guidance on available resources. The goal is to create a human-centered care system that prioritizes attention to others, fosters social inclusion, and ensures that elderly individuals can lead active, supported, and dignified lives.