In the heart of Reggio Emilia, Italy, a vibrant mural titled “A Mural for Health” (#unmuraleperlasalute) has emerged as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and community care.Created by local artist Davide Ghiacci, this artwork serves as a reminder that the barriers faced by elderly and vulnerable individuals are not merely physical but deeply rooted in social and cultural prejudices. The mural, inaugurated on January 11, 2025, adorns the facade of Villa Le Mimose on Via Guinizelli 33, showcasing a tapestry of symbols that highlight the universal right to be valued, cared for, and included.
The initiative is spearheaded by the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders, representing 18 healthcare professions in technical, rehabilitation, and prevention fields. collaborating wiht ASP Reggio emilia – City of People, the project aims to foster awareness about the daily struggles of the elderly, the imperative of an inclusive society, and the critical role of healthcare professionals in bridging the gap between communities and care.
“The mural in Reggio Emilia is our second creation—the first was unveiled in Chioggia, Veneto. There will be more, as our mission is to continually raise awareness about the vital role our professionals play in promoting well-being for those with physical, mental, or social challenges,” stated teresa Calandra, president of the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders. “Many citizens are unaware of the diverse healthcare professions we represent.They deserve recognition. This mural reminds us that inclusivity thrives when we work together, united in purpose.”
The artwork depicts healthcare professionals and caregivers, depicted without uniforms, harvesting fruit—a metaphor for their daily efforts in promoting health, well-being, and societal inclusivity. “for us, this mural is a symbol. We want citizens to understand the collaborative work we do alongside families and colleagues for elderly and frail individuals,” echoed Massimiliano Contesini, president of the TSRM and PSTRP order of Modena and Reggio Emilia. “Our professionals are present in hospitals, local facilities, and even homes, focusing on diagnostics, rehabilitation, prevention, and strategies that empower individuals to reintegrate into their communities.”
Mariella Martini,president of ASP Reggio Emilia – City of People,added,”These healthcare professions are indispensable. They perform remarkable work daily in our facilities for the elderly and disabled. We embraced ‘A Mural for Health’ with enthusiasm as it amplifies their skills and roles. located strategically in the city, this mural will not only inspire awareness but also encourage solidarity.Inclusivity is a collective commitment—we must dismantle social walls.”
Gianluca Valestri, a physiotherapist at Villa Le mimose, emphasized the multifaceted barriers faced by the elderly: “They are physical, social, and psychological.These barriers arise as individuals lose autonomy, facing issues like diminished strength, balance, or coordination. Our rehabilitative interventions,in collaboration with other healthcare professionals,focus on restoring strength,coordination,and balance,thereby enhancing their security and well-being.”
Law 33/2023, granting governmental powers to implement policies favoring elderly individuals, echoes the themes of care, prevention, and inclusivity embodied in the mural. This artwork is more than a visual statement—it is a call to action,urging communities to recognize the value of collective effort in fostering an inclusive society.
Table of Contents
- 1. Preventing Dementia: A Holistic Approach to Health and Social Inclusion
- 2. The 14 risk Factors for Dementia
- 3. Social Inclusion and Education
- 4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- 5. Beauty and Fragility: A Path to Inclusion
- 6. Conclusion
- 7. Art,Inclusion,and Health: A Mural That Speaks Volumes
- 8. A Celebration of Unity and Creativity
- 9. Honoring Healthcare Heroes
- 10. Art as a Catalyst for Change
- 11. Why this Matters
- 12. How does the mural “A Mural for Health” aim to raise awareness about the daily struggles of the elderly?
Dementia is more than just memory loss; it’s a condition that strips away the ability to connect, recognize loved ones, and engage with the world. According to Vanda menon, head of the Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Carpi, ASL of Modena, prevention is key. “Dementia causes you to lose not only the ability to remember, but also much more,” she explains. “We must avoid isolation, which is among the risk factors for dementia, and which over time can lead to a meaningful decline in cognitive abilities.”
The 14 risk Factors for Dementia
Scientific research has identified 14 key risk factors for dementia: smoking, high levels of bad cholesterol at a young age, poor vision health, low education levels, hearing loss, hypertension, alcohol abuse, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, head trauma, pollution, and social isolation. “By understanding these factors and educating the public, we can take significant steps to reduce the prevalence of dementia,” says Menon.
Morena Pellati, District Director and Director of the SC Program for the Elderly and Frailty of the AUSL of Reggio Emilia, emphasizes the importance of social inclusion.”Encouraging people with cognitive disorders to socialize and lead stimulating lives is crucial,” she notes. “We must educate citizens and promote integrated programs to combat isolation and marginalization, as outlined in Law 33/2023.”
Law 33/2023 specifically addresses the need for community-driven initiatives.Chapter II, Article 3, Paragraph 2 highlights the “promotion of integrated programs and paths aimed at combating isolation, marginalization, social and civil exclusion, and relational and emotional deprivation of elderly people.” Pellati adds, “we are working on broadening the concepts of residentiality and territoriality to ensure the inclusion of elderly and frail individuals.”
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Margherita Schiavi, an occupational therapist and member of the TSRM PSTRP Order, stresses the importance of collaboration. “It’s essential that citizens understand the work we do as healthcare professionals,” she says. “Together with families and the community, we must take concrete actions to support the most vulnerable. Each of us can contribute to the inclusion process, even through small changes.”
Schiavi also highlights the symbolic power of art in fostering awareness. “We chose a wall to create a painting as a present and future memory for citizens, emphasizing the importance of breaking down indifference and embracing availability in an aging community.”
Beauty and Fragility: A Path to Inclusion
Annalisa Rabitti, Councilor for Personal Care, believes that beauty and art can play a transformative role in the lives of fragile individuals. “Beauty, in its broadest sense, is a powerful means of innovation,” she says. ”The encounter between fragility and art generates new opportunities for social inclusion. Beauty should be a right, not a luxury.”
Rabitti also challenges societal prejudices. “We must work on the misconception that beauty is superfluous. Inclusion is not a one-way street; we are all fragile in some way. By embracing and sharing our vulnerabilities, we become stronger. My vision is to place fragile people at the center of planning, not on the margins.”
Conclusion
Preventing dementia requires a multifaceted approach that combines education, social inclusion, and community engagement. by addressing risk factors early and fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, we can create a society that values every stage of life. As Menon aptly puts it, “Prevention has to start early—even in the womb—and continue throughout life.”
Art,Inclusion,and Health: A Mural That Speaks Volumes
In a world where art and social causes frequently enough intersect,the recent inauguration of the mural titled “A Mural for Health” stands as a testament to the power of creativity in fostering inclusion and raising awareness. This vibrant event brought together artists, athletes, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, all united by a shared vision: to use art as a universal language that transcends barriers and speaks to everyone.
A Celebration of Unity and Creativity
The event was graced by notable figures, including the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, and the Minister for Disability, Alessandra Locatelli, who both emphasized the importance of initiatives that promote inclusivity. The renowned singer Orietta Berti also lent her support with a heartfelt video greeting, while the historic Reggio Emilia band, L’officina del battagliero, provided lively entertainment for the attendees.
At the heart of the celebration was the mural itself, a striking piece of art created by Davide Ghiacci. He eloquently highlighted how “the universal language of art can be a vehicle to reach everyone, without limits.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the idea that art has the unique ability to connect people from all walks of life.
Honoring Healthcare Heroes
Three healthcare workers were recognized for their participation in the social competition “A Mural for Health.” Their contributions not only showcased their dedication to their profession but also underscored the event’s broader message: inclusion is possible. By celebrating these individuals, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of integrating vulnerable populations into society.
simone Burzacchi, an athlete from the italian men’s Sitting Volleyball team, also attended the event, further emphasizing the theme of inclusion. His presence served as a reminder that physical limitations do not define one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
The mural,with its bold colors and powerful imagery,is more than just a piece of art—it’s a call to action. It challenges viewers to think about the role of art in addressing social issues and promoting health and well-being. As Liliana cosi, former star of La Scala and artistic director, noted, initiatives like these are crucial because they “help us open up places: they are good for us and for the world.”
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the mural, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the community’s journey toward greater inclusivity. The results of the competition and highlights from the event can be viewed on the tsrm_pstrp_more instagram page.
Why this Matters
In a time when social divides seem to be widening, initiatives like “A Mural for Health” remind us of the importance of coming together. They demonstrate that art can be a powerful tool for change, capable of sparking conversations and inspiring action. By celebrating diversity and inclusion, events like this pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding world.
As the Councillor aptly concluded,such initiatives “must be valorised,not only on the inauguration day.” they are a reminder that the work of building a more inclusive society is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and policymakers alike.
How does the mural “A Mural for Health” aim to raise awareness about the daily struggles of the elderly?
The mural,titled “A Mural for Health,” is a powerful symbol of unity,inclusivity,and the critical role of healthcare professionals in fostering well-being and social cohesion. Spearheaded by the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders, which represents 18 healthcare professions in technical, rehabilitation, and prevention fields, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the daily struggles of the elderly, the importance of an inclusive society, and the indispensable contributions of healthcare professionals in bridging the gap between communities and care.
The mural, located in Reggio Emilia, is the second of its kind, following the first unveiled in Chioggia, Veneto. It depicts healthcare professionals and caregivers, portrayed without uniforms, harvesting fruit—a metaphor for their daily efforts in promoting health, well-being, and societal inclusivity.This artistic depiction serves as a reminder of the collaborative work done by these professionals alongside families and colleagues to support elderly and frail individuals.
Teresa Calandra, president of the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP orders, emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse healthcare professions represented by the federation. She highlighted that many citizens are unaware of the vital roles these professionals play in promoting well-being for those with physical, mental, or social challenges. The mural, she noted, is a call to action for communities to work together in fostering inclusivity.
Massimiliano Contesini, president of the TSRM and PSTRP Order of Modena and Reggio Emilia, echoed this sentiment, stressing that healthcare professionals are present in hospitals, local facilities, and even homes, focusing on diagnostics, rehabilitation, prevention, and strategies that empower individuals to reintegrate into their communities.
mariella Martini, president of ASP Reggio Emilia – City of people, added that these healthcare professions are indispensable, performing remarkable work daily in facilities for the elderly and disabled. She expressed enthusiasm for the mural,noting that it amplifies the skills and roles of these professionals and encourages solidarity and inclusivity.
Gianluca Valestri,a physiotherapist at Villa Le Mimose,highlighted the multifaceted barriers faced by the elderly,including physical,social,and psychological challenges.He emphasized the importance of rehabilitative interventions in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to restore strength, coordination, and balance, thereby enhancing the security and well-being of elderly individuals.
The themes of care, prevention, and inclusivity embodied in the mural are also reflected in Law 33/2023, which grants governmental powers to implement policies favoring elderly individuals. This legislation underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives to combat isolation, marginalization, and social exclusion.
in a related context,the article on preventing dementia emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and social inclusion. Vanda Menon, head of the Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Carpi, ASL of Modena, highlighted the importance of prevention and avoiding isolation, which is a notable risk factor for dementia. She identified 14 key risk factors for dementia, including smoking, high levels of bad cholesterol, poor vision health, low education levels, hearing loss, hypertension, alcohol abuse, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, head trauma, pollution, and social isolation.
Morena Pellati, District Director and Director of the SC Program for the Elderly and Frailty of the AUSL of reggio Emilia, stressed the importance of social inclusion and education in combating dementia. She emphasized the need for integrated programs to combat isolation and marginalization, as outlined in Law 33/2023.
Margherita Schiavi, an occupational therapist and member of the TSRM PSTRP Order, highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, families, and the community in supporting vulnerable individuals. She also emphasized the symbolic power of art in fostering awareness and breaking down indifference.
Annalisa Rabitti, Councilor for Personal Care, believes that beauty and art can play a transformative role in the lives of fragile individuals. She challenged societal prejudices and emphasized the importance of placing fragile people at the center of planning, rather than on the margins.
the mural “A Mural for Health” and the broader initiatives it represents underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach to health and social inclusion. By addressing risk factors early, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, and using art as a universal language, we can create a society that values every stage of life and ensures that no one is left behind. As Vanda Menon aptly put it, “Prevention has to start early—even in the womb—and continue throughout life.”
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