DIFF – Deploying Intersectionality Framework to study inequality among Frail older population

Principal investigator: Benedetta Pongiglione

Team UB/Cergas: Elisabetta Notarnicola, Eugenia Miraglia, Elisabetta Listorti, Tommaso Aicardi, Amelia Compagni

Sponsor: Fondazione Cariplo

Duration: 24 months

Abstract: 

The condition of frailty has been defined as the most problematic expression of population ageing. The DIFF project views frailty as a multidimensional bio-psycho-social phenomenon and embraces the concept of intersectionality to assess multiple disadvantages among frail older adults—including economic hardship.

The project’s aim is to study inequalities in access to services among the frail older population in Italy, with a focus on Lombardy and the city of Milan. Specifically, we:

-Measure and map the condition of frailty using national and regional data, profiling the older population based on the specific types of frailty they experience.

-Provide evidence on how access to healthcare and social services influences disparities in health outcomes.

-We directly involve the elderly population and local communities in the research.

We focus on the role of services, because healthcare and social services can help to:

  • Prevent health deterioration
  • Maintain autonomy
  • Reduce inequalities
  • Support psychological and social well-being

The excepted results of the DIFF project are:

-To shed light on the effectiveness of healthcare and social services in improving the health of frail individuals, combining results produced at local and national/regional levels using different methodologies in a complementary way.

-To promote a co-created and participatory view of frailty and inequality in access to care in an urban context, directly giving voice to the elderly and frail individuals, as well as to professionals and policymakers.

 

Presentations:  

Access to services among older people with multidimensional frailty: first evidence from the DIFF project (B Pongiglione) XXIX National AIES Conference, University of Napoli Federico II, 9-10 December 2024

Adopting an intersectionality approach to evaluating frailty: a qualitative study of frail older people and inequalities in access to care services (E Miraglia) XXIX National AIES Conference, University of Napoli Federico II, 9-10 December 202