The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are experiencing growing inequalities in living and health conditions across the three Italian macro-areas (the North, Centre, and South and Islands), as well as between genders. This study aims to examine the sustained growth of older adults in Italy, with a particular emphasis on their most vulnerable segment—i.e., the over-85s. Drawing on mortality trends and the consequent increases in life expectancy at advanced ages, through indicators of mortality and life expectancy, the analysis explores how variations in the structure and distribution of pension benefits have produced significant territorial disparities. These disparities have, in turn, contributed to widening inequalities in household living conditions, especially regarding access to social assistance and long-term care services.

The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are facing growing inequalities in living and health conditions, both in the Centre-North and the Southern regions, as well as between genders. Through differential analyses, this paper aims to illustrate the progressive increase in older adults, focussing on their most vulnerable component (i.e. the over-85s), especially concerning social assistance and care issues. Our study considers the current characteristics of social ageing and mortality trends that determine older adults’ growth and number, highlighting the pronounced gender disparities that emerge at older ages. Our findings reveal an ongoing process of change that has led to significant territorial disparities in the types of pension benefits and social allowances. This has exacerbated, in turn, inequalities in living conditions across households and between genders.