Rome, Italy - July 18, 2024

Italy's population continues to shrink and is expected to have about four million fewer inhabitants in 2050 than today, while it will be older as a whole, according to a report by the National Institute of Statistics (Istat) published Wednesday.

The average age of Italians in 2050 will be 51.5 years, compared to 45.5 years in 2023, in a trend that "seems irreversible," the research assures.

According to Istat, in 2050 Italy will have about 54.8 million inhabitants, a considerable reduction compared to the current 59 million citizens. Already in 2080, the institute estimates that the population could decrease to 46.1 million.

Due to aging, in 2050 only half of the population will be of working age (15-64), whereas there are currently around three people of working age for every two who have already reached retirement age.

In 2050 there will be one million more families, but these will be more fragmented and there will be more childless couples. At the same time, only one family in four will have children.

Loneliness among the elderly will worsen and 4.1 million people over the age of 75 will live alone.

Forecasts estimate that some population growth could occur in the north of the country, while in the center and south of the country this possibility is not considered.

SHOTLIST
1. various of Rome's streets;
2. various of older adults in Rome;
3. various of people with children in Rome.