Rome, 25 November (Adnkronos Salute) – “For the first time in Italy we have a law that addresses all the elderly in our country: performance interventions are no longer considered, but the whole of society – from the Government to the administration, to the third sector – takes care of the elderly so that they can remain in their environment and be cared for according to their needs”. Therefore, Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Commission for reform of health and social services for the elderly population at the Ministry of Health, at the Risk Management Forum that took place in Arezzo, commented on the importance of the law of 23 March 2023, n. 33, which delegates to the Government to reorganize policies for the elderly, aiming for an integrated assistance system.
Extending life expectancy in Italy, explained Monsignor Paglia, requires a “complete restructuring” of what constitutes “old age”. Another 20 or 30 years have been added to people’s life expectancy figures that have never been used as a reference in the political, economic, social, spiritual or cultural fields. Indeed, according to his observations, old age is so far underestimated. But this law helps to understand that” these people can be “a great resource that is necessary to be able to continue to give their country 30 years of life as it is, but with dignity”.
“No one should be left alone – Monsignor Paglia warns – In this case we need to address, as law 33 does, the difference between health and social services: elderly people need not only injections, but also company. Europe: it is the first country to have a law of this kind. Maybe we can also give some advice to other countries. This is already happening.” In this case “we have been invited to Serbia, we will be in Bahrain, in other Arab countries, but the ambition must be big because we care about all elderly people, who should not be left alone, but looked after so that they can live the last part of their lives with dignity”.
