We investigate the feasibility and the appropriate mix of public and private solutions for Long Term Care (LTC) insurance, we rely on a demand/supply framework, and support the study through in-depth empirical analyses. This paper provides a map of the (potential) demand for care based on the most widely used assessment criteria derived from limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), at the individual level, based on large data sets which are representative of the Italian population. At the same time, we estimate the supply of care and assistance in its various forms and attempt measures of “lack of care” and its determinants. The study is based on the Italian subsample of the “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe” (SHARE) and the ISTAT “Multipurpose survey”. We use a fully dynamic life-cycle approach: this is relevant to design insurance against such risks, exploiting preventive actions and policies, as well as the protection safety net.

The Reverse Mortgage (RM) allows older homeowners to borrow against their home, maintaining the right to live in the same. Despite its potential to alleviate old-age liquidity constraints, its adoption has been limited. The literature is inconclusive about motivations for low take-up, including bequest motives, limited understanding of the product, financial education and mistrust in financial institutions. To test for (perceived) barriers to adoption of RM, we exploit data from an original comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research study conducted in May-September 2024 in Italy, a country with a pronounced population ageing, a high home ownership rate and a quite traditional family structure. Based on regression analyses, we find four main results. First, interest in the RM is not negatively associated with bequest motives; rather, it is positively associated with the need to support grandchildren, hinting to homeowners not being afraid of the RM because of bequest motives, but considering RM as a tool for early intergenerational transfers (i.e. early bequest). Second, individuals with stronger self-perceived and actual understanding of RMs are more likely to express interest in the product. Third, distrust in financial institutions is a significant factor behind the lack of interest in RMs. Fourth, the profile of homeowners who appear to be somewhat afraid of RMs is: older individuals, living in Northern Italy, graduated and with a more solid economic and financial situation. Overall, results suggest that increasing RM uptake may require coordinated industry and policy efforts in improving financial education, product transparency and trust in financial institutions.

Objective: To map and classify the definitions of “healthy ageing” (HA) employed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over the past decade, and to identify conceptual and methodological trends, with the goal of informing future research and policy efforts toward harmonization.

Methods: A systematic review of HA definitions were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A search strategy was designed, refined, and executed using Medline (Ovid) up to July 19, 2024. The primary search term was "healthy aging," with results filtered specifically for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results: Of 38,219 records initially retrieved, 1,588 were screened and 48 met inclusion criteria. No unified definition of HA was identified. Instead, three main types emerged: (1) multidimensional definitions with qualitative assessments (29.2%), (2) multidimensional definitions with quantitative assessments (27.0%), and (3) condition- or disease-specific definitions (43.8%). The most common intervention targets were active aging (29.2%), nutritional supplementation (14.6%), cognitive decline (12.5%), and physical activity (12.5%). Considerable heterogeneity was observed in the domains (e.g., physical, cognitive, psychological, and social) and the tools used to assess HA.

Discussion: The findings highlight substantial conceptual variability in how HA is defined and measured in RCTs. This diversity reflects the multidimensional and context-dependent nature of HA but poses challenges for synthesis and comparison across studies. A shared framework for defining HA in interventional research is needed to support evidence-based aging policies. By mapping the range of operational definitions used in RCTs, this review provides a foundation for standardizing future HA research.

This paper studies the effects of tertiary education expansion occurred in Italy between 1970s and 1980s on educational attainment and labour market outcomes. We use three sources of data. First, a dataset covering the History of Italian Universities (HIU) constructed by the authors. In this dataset tertiary education is captured by the presence of a faculty at the province level and information is collected on the number and type (STEM versus non STEM) of faculties in a municipality in a given year. This allows to track faculty openings over time. Second, microdata from the Labour force Survey (LFS) for Italy for the period 2009 to 2019, that contain information on the individuals’ highest level of education completed, as well as type and quality of employment, family composition, and geographic location. Using this latter information, we can link the HIU dataset with the LFS dataset and exploit variation across provinces and time in tertiary education expansion to check the effect of university openings on educational attainment. Third, we recently got access to administrativa data from INPS which would allow us to estimate the effects of university openings on individuals’ careers. We estimate the effect of higher education expansion on individuals education and labour supply outcomes using an event study model. Results from LFS indicate that unversity openings substantially increased the probability of acquiring tertiary education, especially for women.

The protection of dependent older adults presents significant challenges. The prohibition of age-based discrimination, along with the need for flexible protection tools, calls for a critical assessment of the adequacy of existing legal measures, including support administration. In this context, the trust emerges as an effective alternative or complementary legal instrument, offering a flexible solution that respects the individual's autonomy and dignity. This paper explores the dynamic structure of the trust, its role in supporting and protecting vulnerable individuals, and its relevance in estate planning. By analysing its constitutive features and objectives, the trust proves capable of adapting to the specific needs of each person, ensuring both tailored asset management and personal care.