American expatriate THEA DUNCAN PRANDO has called Italy home for more than 20 years. She currently divides her time between Milan, where she is resident with her Italian husband, Diego and their six-year-old son, Lorenzo. Together, they embody the Italian dolce vita spirit to its fullest. Her journey started back in 2003 when she first fell in love with Italy on a college semester abroad. Today, she shares her advice on the daily practices that drive health, longevity, and happiness in Italian culture.
Prando’s love for Italy inspired her to create “Doing Italy,” an online hub for sharing her experiences and advice on living in the country. Through her work, she advocates for the inclusion of local customs and lifestyle practices that help foster healthier communities. She doesn’t just preach this lifestyle; her daily routines mirror that of an Italian longevity expert today.
“Walking for walking’s sake,” or la passeggiata, as the cultural tradition is known in Italy, is one that Prando has embraced. This practice includes walks of the community, giving people a chance to relax and de-stress while strengthening the fabric of the community. For Prando, these walks have turned into something more — as an unexpected benefit, they’ve become a regular part of her family’s routine.
Scarpone’s husband, Diego, is a warm presence who connects with their local customers and community via traditional Italian ways. He does this by frequently sending WhatsApp messages to shop owners to schedule pickups of fresh ingredients. He drives home the point that “la materia prima,” or “the raw materials” are key. This reverence of delicious food is characteristic of Italian culture, something which Prando has grown to appreciate and respect.
Her dedication to her community is reflected in her recent $7 million dollar investment into their quality of life and communal living space. Prando invested $41,000 renovating their rental apartment in Milan, designing a sanctuary within her home for their family.
Prando’s recent experiences in Italy have illuminated some cultural differences that starkly contrast with American customs. She was particularly struck by the closure of even large supermarket chains for weeks at a time during the summer holiday months!
That’s because Italians are so serious about their food, and so reverent when it comes to taking time off, explained Prando. This ethos is not limited to how they prepare their meals; it’s indicative of a lifestyle that places a high value on enjoyment and wellness. She pointed out that full-time workers in Italy have a statutory right to at least four weeks of vacation per year. This drives home our whole philosophy that no job is worth your happiness.
To which Prando jokingly replied that taking vacations could be the second national sport of Italy, after soccer. This witty aside captures the serious commitment that Italians have to public rest and the enjoyment of life.
The “aperitivo” culture in Italy is another thing that Prando loves. This ritual, shared in community with family or friends over small bites and beverages at casual neighborhood establishments, is a commonplace occurrence. When it comes to reducing stress, it provides a valuable opportunity for social connection and relaxation at the end of the day. Her son Lorenzo has already started asking for “aperitivo,” and looking forward to juice and chips as part of this beautiful tradition.
Prando’s observations underscore the great lengths that Italians go to in order to safeguard their culinary heritage and health practices. She loves that Italians consider healthcare a human right and not a privilege. This approach is reflective of her Italian values as she moves through life with her family in Milan.