Overall, the illiteracy rate in the young and middle-aged population group has fallen from over 80 per cent down to about 5 per cent.

UNESCO: Community Learning Centres (CLC) Programme

Menke says it's a combination of the Olympics -- triathlon made its debut in the 2000 Sydney games -- a growing group of middle-aged competitors looking to reclaim their athleticism, and a desire for fitness-conscious camaraderie.

CNN: Everyday athletes embracing triathlon

It is one reason why the Five Star Party was strongly supported by the "lost generation" of younger voters who find themselves shut out of the employment market by a older, protected group of middle-aged and older workers.

BBC: Italian voters declare opposition to austerity