The bar chart delineates the proportions of Italians across five age cohorts who contributed financially to charitable causes in 2009 and 2019.
Overall, while participation in charitable giving declined among younger and middle-aged individuals over the decade, it rose markedly among older cohorts, thereby altering the demographic profile of donors. Notably, the highest rate of contribution shifted from the 36-50 age group in 2009 to those aged 51-65 in 2019.
In 2009, there was a clear age-related gradient in donation behaviour, with the percentage of contributors increasing progressively from approximately 18% among 18-25-year-olds to a peak of around 40% in the 36-50 bracket. Although the proportion subsequently tapered off to roughly 35% for individuals aged 51-65 and 30% for those over 65, older adults still demonstrated a substantially higher propensity to donate than their younger counterparts.
By contrast, the 2019 data reveal a polarisation trend. The youngest cohort experienced a pronounced contraction in participation, with the figure falling to just under 10%, representing the most dramatic decline across all groups. Similarly, the 26-35 and 36-50 categories registered moderate decreases, dropping to approximately 27% and 33% respectively. Conversely, charitable engagement among older Italians intensified, with the 51-65 group rising to nearly 39%, while the over-65 category climbed to around 34%, thereby surpassing several younger segments.
In summary, the decade witnessed a redistribution of philanthropic participation, characterised by diminishing involvement among younger Italians and a consolidation of charitable giving within older age brackets.