When Lynnette Elser from Crossville, Tennessee, visited Latronico, Italy, with her 5-year-old son Kenny, she didn’t expect to find a new home. That first night, Kenny, who struggles with severe respiratory issues, seemed to breathe more easily than ever before.
Lynnette used to check Kenny’s blood oxygen levels regularly, but in Latronico, he stayed above 95%. That was miraculous for her. “I thought his monitor was broken,” she recalled. Usually, on tough nights, Kenny would fight for air, but this change was incredible. Watching him breathe steadily filled her with amazement.
As she reflected on this transformation, Lynnette, a retired federal scientist, realized that the fresh mountain air of Latronico could be the key to Kenny’s better health. The village, nestled high in the hills of southern Italy, offers a clean environment. “Dr. Rosalia Loresco, a local pediatrician, supports this observation,” she added. Many respiratory patients report improvements in their conditions when visiting Latronico.
Inspired by the town’s affordable housing initiatives aimed at reversing population decline, Lynnette bought a 100-square-meter home online for about $59,000. This purchase was meant to be a vacation spot, allowing them to enjoy nature away from the bustle of city life. However, after witnessing Kenny’s health improvements, she decided to settle permanently.
Initially, she intended to make minor renovations to the house. But her plans changed when she found additional property nearby. Now, she is transforming this space into a four-story home that will include ample room for Kenny to play and learn.
Kenny’s background includes numerous hospital visits due to his health issues. He’s autistic, nonverbal, and has severe developmental delays. Lynnette believes that Latronico’s serene atmosphere is crucial for his well-being. With limited traffic and abundant fresh air, the village presents fewer health risks, especially concerning allergies and respiratory troubles.
Their life in Latronico has quickly become fulfilling. Since moving, they’ve integrated into the community, building bonds with locals who treat Kenny affectionately. “They call him ‘bellissimo angelo,’ which means ‘most beautiful angel,’” Lynnette shared. The supportive environment contrasts sharply with her previous experiences in Crossville, where interactions felt less warm.
In what could be described as an unexpected yet welcomed lifestyle change, Elser states, “People seem satisfied here. They’re not caught up in competition.”
As they adapt to life in Latronico, the benefits grow. The cost of living is lower, particularly for groceries and healthcare. Italy’s public health system allows many prescriptions to be free, making healthcare more accessible. Lynnette’s focus is on building a stable routine for Kenny, including enrolling him in local school, which she believes offers a more supportive environment for his learning.
Their life is calm, with regular activities like occupational therapy sessions at home. Lynnette enjoys the quiet, simple existence free from constant consumer pressures. “Everything we need is available in town,” she said, content with a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness over consumerism.
As they continue to settle into this vibrant community, both Lynnette and Kenny are discovering a new lease on life that embraces health, friendship, and a slower pace, ultimately reshaping their perspectives on what home truly means.
For those considering moving abroad, or simply looking to improve their family’s wellbeing, stories like Lynnette’s highlight the profound impact of environment on health and happiness.
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