Il ruolo del patrimonio e dell’associazionismo culturale nei processi di invecchiamento attivo. Uno studio di caso sulla rete associativa del Casentino

Population ageing and depopulation are increasingly characteristic phenomena of inner areas. The topic of active ageing is still underexplored in the humanities and social sciences and is rarely connected to lifelong learning and the development of skills to effectively manage this stage of life. This paper presents the results of a mixed-methods research study conducted in the mountainous Italian area of Casentino, investigating the relationship between ageing and involvement in cultural associations. Cultural activism is linked to perceived well-being among individuals over 50 and to the maintenance and development of self-management skills. Furthermore, cultural associations appear to offer an interesting context for exploring population mobility dynamics. Ultimately, the research investigates the role of people over 50 in Casentino not as passive beneficiaries but as producers of services and activities that ensure the vitality and accessibility of the local cultural heritage.