10 things Italian seniors do better than everyone
There’s a reason Italy is the home of “la dolce vita”. Here are some of the ways they live the sweet life.
1. Styling
Italy is known for its fashion and seniors put just as much effort into their appearance as the younger crowd. Local designer fashions keep them looking slick and stylish with a touch of European flair.
2. Dining
It’s not just that the food is great in Italy (though it is), but the Italians also have a way of making every meal into a little celebration. They believe meals are to be enjoyed, so there’s no rush. Enjoy multiple courses, wine, dessert and plenty of conversation. No phones allowed.
3. Drinking
If you haven’t heard of aperitivo, then it’s something you need to look into right now. As the afternoon begins to fade, Italians will head out for a drink and a snack and watch the world go by. It’s a most graceful and thoroughly civilised pastime.
4. Socialising
There is a strong sense of community in Italy and building relationships with friends is an integral part of daily life. Work fits around one’s social life, not the other way around. And when they retire, rather than becoming more introverted, Italians will spend even more of their time with their large social networks.
5. Beaching
Italian beaches have a certain sense of glamour to them, dotted with sun beds and brightly coloured umbrellas. The locals use the beach as yet another place to socialise and you’ll often find big groups of family or friends spending the whole day together swimming, sun bathing, eating and laughing.
6. Culture
It helps that their country is essentially a living museum, but Italians go out of their way to embrace the culture that’s all around them. From museums and galleries to grand architecture and classic Italian cinema, cultural consumption is part of the fabric of the national character.
7. Romance
Age is no barrier to love (or just lust) in Italy. The macho Italian male is renowned for his virility and the women for their beauty, and they continue flirting and dating well into their senior years.
8. Family
Family ties are strong among the Italian people. It's not uncommon for multiple generations to live together with younger family members caring for the elderly. The mother is the foundation of the household and the family flocks to her home for meals, parties or a little motherly advice.
9. Freedom
For most Italians, following the rules is optional. Don’t be surprised to see someone light up right under a No Smoking sign or park their car on the footpath if there are no spaces. Given that they can get out of many situations with a little charm (and a quick bribe), they tend to have almost no fear of authority. While you might not want to adopt this attitude wholesale, it’s a good lesson in living your life with a little more freedom.
10. Dolce Far Niente
This phrase literally translates as “sweet doing nothing” and refers to a kind of blissful idleness that the Italians do better than anyone else. Linger over a long lunch, have that second glass of wine after dinner or simply spend a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Take all the time you want to enjoy your world.
Do you agree with this list? Have you ever been to Italy, and if so how did you find the experience? Let us know in the comments section below.
Related links:
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