Longevity not only represents a complex demographic challenge to manage, but is transformed into an extraordinary resource to be valorised thanks to the new Lombard Senior Civic Leverage call, presented by regional councilor Elena Lucchini together with Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia, president emeritus of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Faced with a reality that sees as many as 2.3 million citizens over 65 years old in Lombardy – of whom around 500,000 live alone and almost 260,000 face particularly fragile situations -, the regional measure aims to defeat marginalization. Loneliness is fought by offering a central and generative role within the community, transforming the accumulated experience into a living and shared heritage through structured active citizenship paths. And everything will also be paid for.
The structure of the courses, the time commitment and the expected financial contributions
The measure, with a total fund of 1,246,313 euros, is aimed at citizens aged 65 or over, offering internships lasting between 8 and 12 months. Members will be able to choose a weekly commitment of 5, 10 or 15 hours, accompanied by at least 20 hours of compulsory training. The economic treatment provides a monthly compensation of 356.70 euros for those who guarantee 15 hours, 237.80 euros for 10 hours and 118.90 euros for 5 hours per week. The maximum amount that can be paid to each recipient can reach 4,280 euros, a figure that also includes a one-off amount of 100 euros for training and 50 euros for compulsory insurance coverage.
Operational areas, deadlines and future prospects in the area
The operational projects may range widely across different strategic sectors, from social and health services to civil protection, through the protection of environmental, historical, artistic and cultural heritage up to the promotion of tourism and sporting activities. The entities registered in the specific regional register have time from 1 October until 30 November 2026 to present their project proposals through the ATS, while the first official start of field activities is set for 1 April 2027, with subsequent windows scheduled for 17 July and 1 October 2027. A concrete path that restores centrality to the elderly, strengthening intergenerational ties in the social fabric of Lombardy.
