Italian Golden Age: How Italy Is Emerging as a Global Leader in Medical Tourism and Active Longevity

On July 9, 2025, the University of Rome La Sapienza hosted the event “Italian Golden Age: Medical Tourism and Wellness”, promoted by Federterme Confindustria and Italcares. The gathering brought together public and private stakeholders to explore strategies, projects, and concrete data shaping the future of Italy’s Silver Economy.

Turning Ageing into a Strategic Development Lever for Italy

Italy ranks among the nations with the highest life expectancy globally: today, over 24.7% of the population is aged 65 or older—a trend that continues to rise. According to the Bloomberg Global Health Index 2024, Italy ranks 2nd out of 169 countries—second only to Spain—with a score of 91.59 out of 100 and anaverage life expectancy of approximately 82 years.

While this demographic shift presents challenges, it also unlocks significant opportunities. The core concept is to harness longevity as a strategic asset for national growth, investing in prevention, hospitality, digital innovation, and cutting-edge residential models.

What Is Medical Tourism—and Why It’s a Strategic Asset for Italy

Medical tourism in Italy is experiencing substantial growth. This sector integrates healthcare, wellness, and hospitality, attracting both patients and health-conscious travelers from around the world who seek thermal therapies, preventive care programs, and specialized medical treatments.

Italy holds a strong competitive advantage in this domain, thanks to:

• A network of over 100 high-quality thermal and healthcare facilities;
• A one-of-a-kind offering that blends clinical excellence, wellness experiences, and territorial beauty;
• Italcares.it, a digital gateway for booking treatments and wellness stays across the country.

Italcares–Federterme Survey: A Strategic Opportunity in Thermal Regions

During the event, Italcares and Federterme unveiled the results of a nationwide survey involving over 30 thermal facilities. The aim was to map out properties and areas with potential to be repurposed into senior housing or retirement villages—residences tailored to self-sufficient older adults.

Key findings of the survey include:

• 30 facilities expressed a willingness to undergo conversion;
• Many are located in southern Italy’s historic thermal towns, offering environmental, fiscal, and infrastructural advantages;
• Requirements for conversion include accessibility, proximity to healthcare services, recreational areas, and connectivity to hospitals and airports.

These facilities could become ideal destinations for foreign retirees, drawn by Italy’s favorable tax regimes—such as the 7% flat tax incentive (Article 24-ter of the Italian Income Tax Code).

What Is Senior Housing—and Why It Represents the Future of Over-65 Living

Senior housing refers to innovative residential models for self-sufficient older adults seeking independence, community life, and customized services. It represents a middle ground between private homes and traditional assisted living.

Core features include:

• Independent living units with shared communal areas;
• Tailored services such as healthcare, assistance, meal provision, and housekeeping;
• Smart, safe environments with integrated technology and home automation systems;
• Strategically located near thermal resorts and culturally rich historic towns.

Initiatives like SeniorLands Tabiano, showcased during the event, demonstrate the potential to regenerate existing facilities into sustainable, wellness-oriented communities.

Why the Italian Model Can Lead Europe’s Longevity Economy

With its unique blend of natural assets, widespread healthcare infrastructure, advantageous tax policies, and cultural hospitality, Italy is ideally positioned to become Europe’s hub for active ageing and longevity.

Flagship projects like Italian Golden Age and enabling platforms such as Italcares are driving this transformation—positioning Italy not only as a wellness destination, but as a model of inclusive, forward-thinking development in the age of longevity.