This Is Italy
In Italy life expectancy is almost 84 years, more than a year longer than life expectancy in other western countries. In September 2017, Italy's oldest man, who was 111 years old at the time, died. Relatively 1.000 times as many centenarians live on the Italian island of Sardinia as in America. Attitudes and nutrition play an important role in the high life expectancy in Italy.
That all sounds great, of course, but we have to make a comment right away. Italians older than 75 are more likely to struggle with their health than older people elsewhere in the world. In all EU countries, the elderly Italian has the worst health prospects.
Healthy living until you are 75
The turning point from good to bad health seems to be around the age of 75. How come Italians live so long in good health? Due to the warm climate, which is characterized by dry summers and mild winters, Italians live in peace. They enjoy hours in the shade in front of their home or under a tree. Work is only performed when it is not too hot for this. If the sun is too high in the sky, the Italian will rest for a few hours.
Family is important to the Italians, they maintain a lot of contact and do activities together. They are positive towards all family members and friends. There is a casual participatory society, in which friends and family take care of each other.
Italians also walk quite a lot. on Sardinia the inhabitants walk an average of six to eight kilometers a day, in the interior there is also quite a bit of walking. The Dutch sometimes move less than half an hour a day, which corresponds to a distance of less than three kilometers to walk.
Food Habits in Italy
The Dutch can learn a lot from the Italians with regard to healthy food. In Italy, homegrown products are used, prepared with natural oils. During the meal they drink a good glass of red wine, which has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. They take meat in moderation, vegetables in generous quantities.
Italian life from 75 years
Although Italians live in good health for many years, the tide turns from the age of 75. Secretly it already starts when the Italian retires. Lifestyle changes are more likely to cause problems with personal care and daily activities. Half of all Italians over the age of 75 have at least one chronic illness. The disease itself is not always the problem, but (the lack of) the help that comes with it.
Due to a falling birth rate and a high life expectancy, Italy has many pensioners compared to those in work. This makes it difficult to answer all requests for help. A large number of elderly people have to do it without professional help or guidance. As a result, they experience problems with personal care or doing activities.
Would you like to adopt more of the healthy Italian life yourself? Then regularly visit an attractive Italian city or experience rural life in a picturesque village. Let yourself be culinary surprised and enjoy the culture and the climate. Those who live with an Italian mentality are more conscious about healthy living.
Source: thelocal.it, Photos: pxhere, Pixabay
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