Social Support and Environmental Factors for Older People Living in South Tyrol: A Multivariate Analysis

Background and Aims: Current changes in family structures make the development of models for sustainably ensuring high-quality care for older people in the province of Bolzano–Bozen increasingly necessary to identify new solutions to address the needs of older people. This research project explores support options that enable older individuals to live independently in their homes for as long as possible, based on data collected through a quantitative survey. Special attention is devoted to recent transformations in family dynamics, highlighting the urgency of rethinking care strategies for older people. Data and Methods: The study focuses on a sample of individuals aged 60 and older who reside in their own homes in South Tyrol. Data were collected through 536 interviews conducted in 2020, using a questionnaire administered in both German and Italian. A Latent Class Model (LCA) was used to identify latent categorical indicators, with each category representing a specific combination of factors derived from the data. Results: The findings underscore the critical role of eliminating architectural barriers, fostering social connections, and promoting volunteer activities as key factors in enhancing the quality of life and independence of older adults.