The University of the Third Age (Unitre) in Canicattini Bagni concluded its 17th academic year on June 15, 2026, with a graduation ceremony at the Palazzo Cianci, the headquarters of the local Senior Day Center. The event marked the completion of a diverse curriculum focused on social inclusion, lifelong learning, and digital literacy for the town’s aging population.
How Unitre Addresses Demographic Shifts
The program, directed by Professor Giuseppe Di Mari and supported by the municipal administration, serves as a response to evolving demographic trends in Sicily. According to Mayor Paolo Amenta, the initiative is a strategic effort to combat social isolation by providing cultural and educational outlets for seniors.
Data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) consistently highlights that Italy maintains one of the highest median ages in Europe. Local government programs like Canicattini Bagni’s Unitre aim to mitigate the social risks of this "silver tsunami" by fostering active participation in public life. The curriculum for the 17th year included a wide range of subjects, from traditional literature and law to health-focused seminars on nutrition, yoga, and physical wellness.
Why Digital Literacy and Health Information Matter
A central theme of this year’s academic session was the fight against medical misinformation. Dr. Gaetano Scifo, a specialist in infectious diseases and former director of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Umberto I Hospital in Syracuse, delivered a lectio magistralis titled "Health in the Era of Disinformation."
Dr. Scifo emphasized that the proliferation of "fake news" on social media platforms poses a direct threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the "infodemic"—an overabundance of information, both accurate and inaccurate—can hinder the effectiveness of public health interventions. Dr. Scifo urged participants to practice rigorous fact-checking and advocated for institutional transparency to prevent the spread of unfounded health claims, which often lead patients to abandon evidence-based therapies for chronic conditions.
The Role of Community and Legacy
The ceremony also served as a moment of commemoration. The municipal administration awarded a commemorative plaque to the family of Giovanni Ganci, a local artist and stonemason who passed away in May 2026 at age 82. Recognition of individuals like Ganci highlights the program’s emphasis on intergenerational knowledge transfer and the preservation of local craftsmanship.
Key Details of the 17th Academic Year
- Location: Palazzo Cianci, Canicattini Bagni, Italy.
- Leadership: Directed by Prof. Giuseppe Di Mari, in collaboration with the S. Tommaso d’Aquino Study Center of Syracuse.
- Curriculum Focus: Human sciences, health education, and critical analysis of digital information.
- Future Outlook: The administration confirmed that the 18th academic year is scheduled to begin in the autumn of 2026.
The program concluded with a musical performance featuring trumpeter Elio Perrotta, pianist Sandro Strano, and percussionist Aldo Vinci, underscoring the importance of arts and performance in the social fabric of the Senior Day Center.
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