Longevity of Italy. A Story to Share
The latest statistics confirm it. We are the longest-living country in Europe. A great piece of news from our perspective. We truly know how to enjoy life to the fullest. Now, thanks to new technologies, we can generously share this achievement, which makes us unique on this planet, not just today and not only for this reason.
Certainly. We live in an extraordinary era. However, to make it truly authentic, original, and unparalleled, knowledge and experiences from the past must no longer remain locked away in personal memories. They need to be shared. Those who have lived life intensely can pass on valuable stories. Today, thanks to new technologies, this is possible with a simple gesture recording a video and sharing it online.
Wisdom in Longevity. A Gift for the Future
Being a Senior does not mean we are in a phase of decline but rather in a natural process of unparalleled enrichment. It is no coincidence that the European Union considers active aging one of its priorities, promoting initiatives to enhance the contribution of Seniors in contemporary society. According to Eurostat, Italy has the longest-living population in Europe. This fact is often presented negatively. But is that really the case? For us, absolutely not! On the contrary, by reversing the conventional paradigm highlighted in this sterile statistic, we reveal our true wealth our cultural heritage, which sets us apart in today's modern and contemporary landscape. Italy is a model of longevity and quality of life, the result of a balance between tradition, diet, family ties, and culture. Today, the entire planet has again something to learn from us.
Marco Aurelio, philosopher and Roman emperor, reminds us in his Meditations, Book VI, point 30, that our life is not measured by years but by what we share with others from the depths of our soul.
It is not the length of life that matters, but how you have used it. Even those who have lived long must remember that the value of life is not measured by years but by the soul with which they have lived them.
Learning in Longevity
Learning never ends. Andragogy, the science that studies adult education, demonstrates that people continue to develop skills and knowledge throughout their lives. Sharing experiences and teachings through new technologies is a form of mutual learning. Not only do younger generations learn from Seniors, but Seniors themselves can also discover innovative tools for communication.
In today's digital society, stories, knowledge and testimonies can travel through videos, blogs, podcasts, and social networks, where every experience has inestimable value.
Everything you have lived, every challenge you have overcome, every joy you have savored is part of you. No one can take away what you have understood and preserved in your mind.
So writes Marco Aurelio in his previously mentioned memoirs, Book V, point 20. This is precisely the foundation of the History is Us! project. It is about safeguarding our extraordinary memory and understanding that telling one's story is an act of generosity, especially concerning our longevity, which we have peacefully passed down for generations, without any ulterior motives.
Personal storytelling is the element that naturally connects individual memories to our collective memory. A new energy thus permeates us entirely. Since the dawn of time, stories have been passed down orally. Then, with modernity, writing was added to books. Today, in contemporary times, during this multifaceted transition, we have the opportunity to create a digital legacy that will endure over time. Every individual is a living archive of experiences, traditions, and values. It must be safeguarded. It must be preserved. It must be protected.
To tell your story effectively and engagingly, simply create your video narrative by following our practical tips.
1) Choose the Theme of Your Story
- What moment of your life do you want to share? A childhood memory, a work experience, a journey, a challenge overcome?
- Think of a meaningful episode that can convey an emotion or a lesson.
2) Prepare a Brief Outline
- You don't need to write everything word for word, but having a structure with key points is helpful:
Where and when did the event take place?
What were the emotions of the moment?
What did you learn from that experience?
3) Choose the Right Setting for Recording
Find a quiet place with good lighting (preferably natural).
Avoid background noise and place your device on a stable support.
4) Use Intuitive Tools
You can simply use the camera app on your device to record.
If you want a more polished video, free and simple apps like InShot or CapCut allow you to edit and add subtitles.
5) Be Natural and Speak from the Heart
You don't need to be perfect. What matters is sincerity and authenticity.
If you make a mistake, smile and continue. A genuine story is more important than a perfect video.
6) Share Your Video
If you have a group, community, or social profile, you can upload your video directly.
If you prefer, you can send it to children, grandchildren, or friends to help you publish or even improve it.
You can also participate in the History is Us! project by sending your video to be shared with a wider community.
7) Seek Advice from Experts – Life is an Unforgettable Collection of Experiences
Engage with those who know more. Telling stories and capturing them for self-enjoyment and entertainment is a serious matter.
A Legacy for the Future
Our memory is a solid bridge between the past and the future. Sharing past experiences means giving meaning to life, transforming memories into something useful for those who come after us. Marcus Aurelius, centuries ago, in his Meditations, Book X, point 15, urged us to live every stage of life with awareness and gratitude.
Embrace old age as a harvest you have sown for years: live with gratitude and let every memory be a mark of the journey you have taken.
Memory is the thread that connects our identity, distinguishing us as individuals, as a people, and as a culture. Italy has a millennia-old history of knowledge transmission. From ancient philosophers to the oral traditions of our regions, to the works of art and literature that the world envies and has tried to imitate for millennia. When they fail, they systematically plunder us. Today, we have the duty to continue this tradition using the tools the present offers us.
The History is Us! project was created to give a voice to Seniors, allowing them to tell, pass down, and share their stories with the entire world. Each testimony is a crucial piece of our collective history, which has granted us, among many things, the title of the longest-living nation. This is why we want to bear witness to our ability to enjoy life, even at this stage, because it is a precious story, useful even for those who will come after us, literally.
Now, it's your turn, Senior. Take your smartphone, share a significant episode of your life, and pass it on. Your experience is a treasure. Make sure it remains, is heard, and inspires. Because History is Us!
If you also want to contribute to the longevity of our planet, write now to info@historyisus.eu