SUMMER 2020 Italian American Digest
Italy &
Corona
Distant b
As the world deals with the effects of
the coronavirus pandemic and its
consequent shutdown, it is worth noting
what made Italy so susceptible to a severe
outbreak in the first place.
At an average of 84 years old, Italians
have the sixthlongest
life
expectancy in the
world. By 2025,
nearly a quarter
of the Italian
population will be at
least 65 years old.
Medical
researchers studying
the coronavirus
believe it poses a
threat more likely to
afflict older people
than younger ones.
Among those who
contract the virus,
the elderly are prone
to have more severe
cases.
A higher number
of older men and
women in the
workforce is also
a factor. In 2019
the average Italian retirement age was
expected to be 67, at least two years later
than average retirees in other Western
developed nations.
Italians aren’t the “social distancing”
sort, they are physically affectionate
people. Hugs and cheek-kisses are
commonplace, not just among family
members, but also between friends and
even work colleagues.
By Enrico
Even when they’re j
tend to be closer toget
people. Cultural anth
noted that the Italian
of personal space is sm
countries.
An Italian flag hung outside of a window in
(Everything is gonna be fine) durin
Photo By: Pietro
Italy is also a densel
with an average densit
square mile. The Unit
Italy is roughly the siz
with 20 million more
Golden State.
Over 60% of Italian
that are even more den
people per square mil
density of Washington