Housing conditions among elderly people using 2021 Italian permanent population and housing census data: urban and rural patterns

Abstract

Urban and rural perspectives provide a vital framework for analysing ageing in contemporary societies. Urban areas often highlight inequalities arising from demographic diversity, while rural regions are typically perceived as more stable, yet remain under-researched (Marcellini et al., 2007). This study investigates housing conditions among elderly people in Italy - including floor space, density standard, and tenure status - according to household composition.The analysis adopts a multidimensional approach that considers territorial disparities by evaluating the influence of both regional contexts and degree of urbanization.

The aim is to explore whether housing conditions for the elderly differ significantly between urban and rural areas. Urban contexts are expected to show greater inequalities due to demographic and social factors, while rural areas may exhibit more uniform patterns. The analysis relies on data from the Permanent Population and Housing Census (PPHC), which integrates administrative sources and surveys. This rich database allows for a direct analysis of multivariate distributions, such as the joint distribution of housing conditions and type of households. The availability of detailed information over time and at a fine territorial level is particularly valuable for examining regional disparities and demographic trends.