The gradual ageing of the population, coupled with the rise in life expectancy are particularly evident in our territory, so the challenge is to allow people to age gracefully within their own houses and within their social context, encouraging older people to be and feel like an active part of their community and cultivate their interests. Bergamo has put in place various actions to support active ageing, to promote and sustain social relations, and to care for older people who need assistance while doing anything and everything to keep them in their context through home care services which help to limit institutionalisation.

Here are the main actions and projects that the Municipality of Bergamo has implemented:

1. Actions towards increasing socialising, recreational activities and the promotion of active ageing.
   • This area included a rethinking of the Senior Centres into a more intergenerational concept of All-Age Centres
   • The promotion of digital literacy
   • Cultural activities from the University of the Third Age, and
   • The participation of older people within civic volunteer groups.
2. Actions towards supporting home care. This area guarantees a series of different social services varying in intensity:
   • Home Care services, including those specifically designed for dementia cases
   • Social custody services (e.g. the Going Back Home project, the Carers Desk)
   • Financial support for older people, including a call centre with information on all services available “Bergamo Aiuta” (Bergamo Helps),
   • Volunteers available for different needs (medicines delivery, doing errands, shopping, etc.), dedicated transport, remote assistance, meals on wheels.
3. Financial supports are also provided for older people in need and for those who have been admitted into nursing homes. Additional legal protection and financial supports are also available for formal and informal caregivers (with regional and national funding).