This study explores the intersection of ageing, migration, and health in the Italian context, addressing a significant gap in European public health and social policy. With both the elderly population and number of ageing migrants rising, the research reframes older migrants not as marginal figures but as a structurally relevant demographic with unique vulnerabilities. Moving beyond outdated paradigms such as the “healthy migrant” myth, the study considers how migratory biographies—shaped by motivations, arrival age, and settlement conditions—influence long-term well-being.

Employing a theoretical framework that categorizes migrants by age at arrival (young, mid-life, and older adulthood), the research examines differential access to resources, levels of acculturation, and health outcomes. Data are drawn from secondary literature and survey findings on perceived well-being and institutional access, focusing on social factors such as marital status, education, social networks, employment, and language skills. Special emphasis is placed on gender, highlighting the compounding health risks faced by older migrant women, particularly those in informal care roles.

Findings show that health in later life among migrants is shaped not only by physical condition but by functionality—autonomy, social participation, and access to culturally competent care. Migrants who arrived earlier benefit from greater institutional integration, while late-life migrants often face digital exclusion, limited pension access, and social isolation.

The study calls for a policy shift: recognizing ageing migrants as a permanent demographic, designing functional health interventions, restoring reception systems, and addressing gendered inequalities. A life-course, intersectional approach is essential to guide both research and inclusive policy for an ageing Europe.

Background

The rising prevalence of dementia poses a major global public health challenge, with significant clinical and social implications. Family caregivers play a central role in patient care, often facing high emotional and physical burdens. One often overlooked key factor, influencing caregiving outcomes, is health literacy -their ability to access, understand, and use health information effectively. Adequate health literacy supports informed decision-making, better coping skills, and improved access to care resources. Strengthening caregiver health literacy through targeted education and support is essential to enhance care quality and promote sustainable, person-centred dementia management. This intervention aims to promote caregivers’ well-being, protective behaviours, social engagement, and active community participation.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study involved local resource mapping and collaboration with healthcare professionals to develop a structured support program consisting of eight biweekly group sessions (90 minutes each) with 5–10 participants. Caregivers of family members with dementia who spoke and understood Italian were recruited without restrictions on disease stage or relationship type. Recruitment began in April 2024, with an initial individual meeting for program explanation, consent, and baseline assessments. Participants completed four questionnaires assessing health literacy (European Health Literacy Survey- HLS-EU-Q16), well-being (Well-being Index -WHO-5), caregiver burden (Caregiver Burden Inventory -CBI), and mental health symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - DASS-21), alongside a semi-structured interview exploring perceived resources and challenges. Data analysis from interviews, feedback, and session materials revealed preliminary insights into caregiver expectations, group dynamics, and factors influencing the program.

Results

The program involved 20 caregivers (13 women, 7 men) aged 42–86 year (mean age: 64), mostly Italian nationals, most of whom had completed secondary education. The majority were retired, while others were unemployed, homemakers, employed, or family assistants. While most reported stable economic conditions, a minority faced financial difficulties, suggesting potential vulnerability. Caregivers were predominantly adult children or spouses, with half living with the care recipient. Participants were mainly recruited through healthcare services (77%), particularly geriatrics clinics, followed by community associations (19%) and flyers (4%). Three caregiver groups were formed between September 2024 and May 2025. Baseline mean scores were as follows: CBI- 35.64, DASS-21- 18.52, WHO-5- 11, and HLS-EU-Q16- 12.04, indicating moderate burden, elevated emotional distress, low well-being, and limited health literacy. Participants valued the group as a supportive space for sharing experiences and gaining emotional and practical guidance in caregiving. Key strengths included the respectful atmosphere, useful sessions with professionals, and access to practical information. While some wished for longer sessions, the free format and peer exchange were highly appreciated. Facilitators noted strong group cohesion, growing trust, and mutual support, with diverse caregiving backgrounds enriching the discussion and reducing participants’ sense of isolation.

Main implications of the research

The preliminary results highlight the value of community-based group interventions within primary care settings as a promising strategy to support family caregivers of individuals with dementia. These programs, hosted in accessible spaces such as community health centres, facilitate the integration of medical, psychological, and social support by bringing together multidisciplinary professionals. This collaborative model enhances caregivers' emotional well-being, promotes emotional awareness, and strengthens health literacy - key factors in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life. Moreover, it underscores the potential of community health centres to serve not only as points of care but also as hubs for prevention, education, and orientation to social and health services, addressing the complex and evolving needs of caregivers in a holistic and sustainable manner.

Background: Chatbot technologies are increasingly used for support and information, yet their effectiveness for dementia caregivers remains underexplored despite high interest. This study introduces AI-Care, an evidence-based psychoeducational chatbot providing personalized, asynchronous support through structured, interactive modules. The primary aim is to evaluate its usability and acceptability for Dementia caregivers.

Methods: The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, recruiting participants via snowball sampling into intervention or waitlist groups. Inclusion criteria include being a primary caregiver for at least six months with internet access available; neurological/psychiatric diagnoses or non-compliance are exclusion criteria. Caregiver burden (CBI) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) will be assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. The intervention group must interact with the chatbot at least thrice weekly; the waitlist group gains access post-week 12. A sample of 80 participants (40 per group) is powered to detect a medium effect size (f=0.25) with 80% power and 20% attrition.

Expected Results: The intervention group is expected to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in both caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. In the absence of established minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for these measures within the target population, an observed score reduction of one standard deviation will be considered clinically significant. Data will be analyzed in JASP.

Main implication for the research: The main implication is that chatbot-delivered psychoeducational interventions can overcome traditional support barriers, offering a scalable and accessible resource to improve dementia caregiver well-being.

Background: Adjusting to the role of caregivers of people with dementia without prior knowledge and training is challenging. Literature shows that caregivers often lack appropriate knowledge and training on dementia issues. This study aimed to identify the training needs of informal, formal and migrant caregivers of people with dementia. This objective is part of the project AGE-IT (PNRR PE8 “Age-It”) aimed at developing an e-learning platform tailored to them.

Methods: A literature review on information needs and educational programs for informal, formal and migrant caregivers was carried out. Simultaneously, 4 focus groups and 25 semi-structured interviews with caregivers were carried out across different regions in Italy. Qualitative data were used to identify key themes for caregiver training modules and assess accessibility features, following a co-design approach.

Results: Several gaps in dementia knowledge and skills were common across the three types of caregivers. For what concerns informal and formal caregivers, training needs concerned issues on dementia knowledge, how to provide practical and professional care, information on the access and use of local services, and tips on self-care. As for migrant caregivers, in addition to the issues mentioned, it was important to consider language issues and people’s personal histories. The platform will include text-based content, short videos, and a chatbot offering real-time support and access to evidence-based resources.

Implications: The involvement of stakeholders should be prioritized to deliver trainings which meet caregivers’ needs. These findings will inform the development of an e-learning platform to improve education and support for dementia caregivers.