UILP Calabria calls for integrated welfare for elderly

The UILP Calabria union has called for a transition from emergency-based social interventions to an integrated welfare system to better protect the elderly and vulnerable populations in the region.

During a regional meeting involving UILP, SPI, and FNP Calabria, Secretary Francesco De Biase highlighted that the elderly in Calabria face significant challenges, including inflation, rising living costs, social isolation, and increased poverty. He noted that while pensioners contribute significantly to national and regional taxes, they receive some of the lowest levels of social and assistance spending in Italy.

De Biase argued that longevity and the 'silver economy' should be viewed as pillars of social cohesion rather than costs to be minimized or burdens to be left solely to families. To address regional healthcare deficiencies and social inequalities, the union is proposing a stable alliance between the Calabria Region, provincial health authorities (Asp), and local institutions to bridge the gap between healthcare and social services.