The narrative of the social frailty of the older population in the Italian press

Italy is the oldest country in Europe as of 2022, with a median citizen age of 48 years. As the older population continues to grow rapidly, issues such as frailty and life satisfaction have become increasingly critical. One area that has received little attention thus far is social frailty, which can be defined as insufficient participation or a complete absence of participation in social networks, along with a perception of inadequate contact and support (Bunt et al., 2017). This concept encompasses various social resources or limitations, social behaviors and activities, and self-management skills that all contribute to fulfilling social needs. The article aims to analyse and define the issues related to the older population as they are represented in the Italian press. In particular, the study aims to identify the similarities and differences in the narrative in different periods (2012, 2019, 2022), also focusing on the living conditions of the older people during the pandemic period. The Italian press highlighted the crucial role of women in caring for elderly relatives at home, emphasizing the importance of the gender dimension in supporting and caring for parents. In the following years, however, the focus shifted to the role of care institutions in preserving the individuals’ dignity and the need for political intervention with welfare measures specifically aimed at the older population. Policy intervention played a crucial role in improving their socioeconomic conditions, primarily through the creation of specific bonuses and allowances