Nonni oggi e domani, oltre la retorica

[Autom. eng. transl.] The chapter critically analyzes the evolution of the role of grandparents in the contemporary and future Italian context, in light of the demographic, social and economic transformations underway. Going beyond the rhetorical narrative of grandparents as an unconditional resource, the authors highlight the growing intergenerational imbalance produced by the aging of the population, the decline in the birth rate and the mutation of family networks. Through the analysis of Istat, Censis and Inapp data, the text highlights how the increase in life expectancy and active longevity do not necessarily correspond to a lightening of the burden of care, but on the contrary place the elderly generations at the center of growing demands, often in conditions of fragility and loneliness. The dimensions of health, subjective well-being, territorial equity and economic autonomy are explored, relating the roles of care and economic support of grandparents to the emerging social vulnerability of the elderly. The chapter proposes a rethinking of welfare policies, supporting the need for an integrated and sustainable generational model that values reciprocity without unloading unsustainable responsibilities onto families. The grandparents of tomorrow, poorer, lonelier and older, call into question the strength of the generational pact, urgently raising questions about equity and social sustainability in an increasingly “large” Italy.