Monthly Archives: October 2024

DEMOGRAPHICS: Naples is located in the capital of the Campania region and the metropolitan city of the same name, the centre of one of Europe’s most populous and densely populated metropolitan areas; is also the most populous municipality in southern Italy, Italy’s third largest country by population (after Rome and Milan), the largest municipality by density of population and one of the twenty most populous cities in the European Union. In the municipality of Naples, the resident population, which consists of people with usual residence in the same municipality, is 1,004,500. The relative presence of children is above average national. In particular, in the municipality of Naples the percentage of children under five years old is 5.29%, higher than the 4.59% recorded at national level. Unlike the national situation, the definitive data from the 2001 Census on the demographic structure of the population reveals a demographically young municipality. The percentage ratio between the population aged 65 and over and those under 15, known as the old-age dependency ratio, is less than 100, indicating a lower level of population aging. In fact, in the municipality of Naples, it is 91.13%, which is lower than the national figure (131.4%). Another indicator, with economic and social relevance, is the dependency ratio, also known as the demographic dependency ratio. This ratio compares individuals who are presumed to be non-autonomous due to demographic reasons (age)—namely the elderly and the very young—with those who are expected to support them through their activities. In the municipality of Naples, the ratio, which stands at 48.58%, is lower than the national figure (in Italy, 49.02%). The reference to the land area occupied by the population (117.27 square kilometers) allows for the calculation of an indicator, the population density, which has a value of 8,566 inhabitants per square kilometer. This figure is excessively high, especially in comparison to the national data (189 inhabitants per square kilometer). CULTURE: A city with an impressive tradition in the visual arts, rooted in classical times, has given rise to original architectural and painting movements, such as the Neapolitan Renaissance and Neapolitan Baroque, Caravaggism, the Posillipo School, the Resìna School, and Neapolitan Liberty. It is also known for lesser arts of international significance, such as Capodimonte porcelain and the Neapolitan nativity scene. It is the origin of a distinctive form of theater, a world-famous song, and a unique culinary tradition that includes foods that have become global icons, such as Neapolitan pizza and the art of its pizzaioli, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In 1995, 10.21 square kilometers of the historic center of Naples were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for their buildings and monuments, which testify to approximately three thousand years of history. In 1997, the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic system was designated by the same international agency (along with the nearby Miglio d'oro, which also includes the eastern neighborhoods of the city) as a World Biosphere Reserve. In Naples, traditions are rich in secrets…

“Little joys of everyday life“ Topic “In Naples the elderly are pillar of family life but, over time, is it always like this?“ The Sense of Uselessness and Loss of Purpose of the Elderly Background: Elderly represent a very important pillar for societies all around the world, being carriers of wisdom, experience and values that reinforce the sense of cultural identity and continuity. But many times they can feel themselves pushed aside or less rilevant when they go in retirement phase, or when sons or grandchildren become adults and go away. This phenomenon, known as “loss of purpose”, can have a devastating impact on their emotional and psychological well-being, generating feelings of uselessness, loneliness and isolation. The elderly, once a pillar of the family and community, may be seen as a passive observer, rather than as an active and valuable resource. The elderly in Naples: In Naples, the elderly are considered a valuable and respected resource within the community. The Neapolitan culture gives older people a significant role, both in the transmission of traditions and in the maintenance of collective memory. The elderly are the heart of the family, they play a central role in the care and education of their grandchildren, often participating actively in their growth, to the point of becoming second-generation parents for many children. Even in popular neighbourhoods older people play a social role, participating in community life and keeping local traditions alive through cooking, the language and stories passed down. The subject of our analysis concerns elderly people living in Naples, aged between 60 and 90, with children and grandchildren. So from now on we will not speak of “elders” but of “grandparents“. The Routine of a Neapolitan grandmother: Morning: she wakes up early, with the habit of opening windows and looking out. After dressing herself with care, she makes a strong coffee with mocha. If she has the habit, she can go to the bar on the corner for an espresso and a chat with the neighbours or bartenders, keeping up with the news of the neighborhood and exchanging jokes in dialect. She does the shopping, maybe buying fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade bread and some ingredients for lunch. Lunch and cooking: in the middle of the morning she starts to prepare lunch, often involving grandchildren, especially if they are small aged and want to help, transmitting the secrets of traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Afternoon: after lunch and a short rest, she devotes herself to simple activities. If the weather is nice, she takes the grandchildren to the park or makes them play in the square, where other children gather to play. Otherwise, she stays at home with his grandchildren, telling them stories of when she was young, passing on anecdotes of life and traditions of Naples. Evening: late in the afternoon, they come back home and she prepares dinner while watching the TV. Grandparents’ life revolves around their grandchildrens’ care, by also filling the gaps in a deficient citizen welfare system. In Naples, many elderly people become an indispensable resource…

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