Demographic Ageing: Challenges and Opportunities. The Case of The Crater Area

Abstract

In recent decades, we have witnessed a significant and ongoing shift towards an ageing population, which may pose challenges to economic and social systems. However, the WHO suggests that - thanks to advancements in medicine, healthy lifestyles, and improved education levels - the majority of older individuals will maintain good physical and mental health, with substantial purchasing power, and a remarkable propensity to spend, and desire to travel. In the light of these considerations, scholars have introduced new interpretations of the concept of ageing as a potential asset for economic development and social cohesion. This research focuses on the “Area del Cratere” as a case study to investigate whether fiscal measures aimed at repopulating regions affected by severe seismic events could attract retirees from abroad. Employing a methodology grounded in algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to forecast future trends in new residents, this study offers policymakers evidence-based insights to inform effective planning, thereby ensuring the provision of adequate services and infrastructure for both incoming residents and the wider community.