The Alliance for the Golden Years stems fromthe Ravasi Garzanti Foundation’scommitment to building a new urban welfare system dedicated to longevity. It is a civic and generative pact that goes beyond a simple welfare program, transforming vulnerability and needs into opportunities for community, solidarity, and social innovation.
We believe that Milan can be a city where longevity is a right, an opportunity, and a resource.
A community that is close to the people, capable of staying connected with older adults, their caregivers, and the organizations and networks that care for them every day—so that everyone can live a fulfilling life with dignity, meaningful relationships, and new opportunities.
From 1986 the Ravasi Garzanti Foundation has been promoting the values of care, solidarity, and respect for older adults, especially the most vulnerable. Founded out of the desire of Livio Garzanti, a Milanese publisher, to transform the memory of his mother Sofia Ravasi Garzanti into a concrete act of caring for others, providing ongoing support not only to the people themselves but also to those in the community who care for them.
Sofia Ravasi, an intellectual and educator, was a pioneer of women’s philanthropy and dedicated her life to women’s empowerment, culture, and caring for the most vulnerable. Building on this legacy is the journey of Livio Garzanti, a philosopher and visionary publisher who, for over forty years, led the Garzanti publishing house, combining cultural commitment with social responsibility.
Today, the Foundation carries on this vision, supporting older adults and their families—both directly and indirectly, through third-sector organizations—with care and responsibility. Since 2015, it has borne the names of both, preserving the bond between mother and son and continually renewing its public mission over time.
A story that continues to grow, always placing the individual and the networks that support them at the center.
Livio Garzanti establishes the Foundation in memory of his mother, Sofia Ravasi. A place is created where culture, knowledge, and civic engagement come together. The Foundation is designed to be a source of support, standing by vulnerable and lonely people.
The first program dedicated to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. It combines financial, psychological, and practical support, placing dignity and relationships at the center. It serves as a model of integrated care that also values the role of those who accompany and assist, and will guide the Foundation moving forward.
Upon his passing, his executor, Mario Cera—who had previously served as president of the Foundation at the Founder’s request— initiated the process of transferring a significant portion of the estate. This effort reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to the lonely and vulnerable elderly in the city of Milan.
The transfer of assets is completed. The Foundation continues to evolve, remaining true to the spirit of its founder. New bylaws are adopted , involving public entities, universities, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation strengthens its commitment to issues of longevity, advanced age, and the fight against loneliness and social exclusion.
With CuraMI & ProteggiMI an integrated network of services for older adults and caregivers. The Services Division is strengthening its presence in neighborhoods through counseling and support centers. The Research Division, in collaboration with Milan’s universities, is exploring longevity from an interdisciplinary perspective, providing knowledge and tools that are also useful for professionals and organizations in the sector.
The Foundation is launching a cultural dialogue on old age as a time of vitality and engagement. Introducing La Grande Età – Teatro in collaboration with the Franco Parenti Theater, followed by projects with Aterballetto and new community spaces.
Introducing Voice Italia, a social enterprise developed with NICA and supported by Cariplo and Amplifon. A civic platform where citizens, researchers, and institutions work toward a society that ages well and inclusively. A tool to support, beyond Milan, other regions and communities in the transition toward a society of longevity.
An idea is beginning to take shape—a call to the city to bring together institutions, foundations, and the nonprofit sector into a network of shared care, in which mutual support among organizations becomes a key driver.
TheAlliance for the Golden Years is officially launched, a new urban welfare initiative dedicated to longevity. A civic and generative pact to transform vulnerability and needs into opportunities for community, solidarity, and social innovation
We began by standing alongside families affected by Alzheimer’s, offering both emotional and practical support. Building on that experience, we have broadened our focus, and today we address all aspects of longevity—from health to rights, from culture to relationships.
Aging affects not only individuals, but also the welfare system, organizations, and communities. Our mission is to navigate these changes with care, openness, and respect, building partnerships capable of constantly generating new solutions.
