Meet Italy's oldest student, surviving WW2 and a pandemic to graduate at 96
At 96, Giuseppe Paterno has faced many tests in life - childhood poverty, war and, more recently, the coronavirus pandemic. Now he has sailed through an exam that makes him Italy's oldest university graduate.
This week, the former railway worker stepped forward to receive his diploma and the traditional laurel wreath awarded to Italian students when they graduate, applauded by his family, teachers and fellow students more than 70 years his junior.
Left: Paterno is helped by his son Ninni Paterno, 72, to get up from his bed.
Right: Philosophy books belonging to Paterno stand on a shelf at his home.
Left: Paterno uses his typewriter.
Right: Paterno goes over his study notes at his desk, a day before he graduates.
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As for what he planned to do next, he said he was not about to stop now he had graduated.
"My project for the future is to devote myself to writing; I want to revisit all the texts I didn't have a chance to explore further. This is my goal."
Vintage radios sit on the bedside table of Paterno.
Paterno shaves his beard as he gets ready for the day.
Paterno has breakfast in his kitchen.
Paterno gestures to his carer as he stands in the hallway of his home.
Paterno walks past a painting hung on the wall depicting his wedding day with his late wife Stefana Battaglia, who died in 2006, and Paterno.
Paterno hugs a friend at a supermarket.
Paterno takes an elevator up to his apartment, as he returns home from the supermarket.
Paterno marks his graduation date on July 29 on his calendar, a day before he graduates.
The University of Palermo stands before Paterno's graduation.
Paterno attends his graduation.
Paterno celebrates during his graduation.
Paterno poses for the media as he attends his graduation.
