Preserving Health in the Sharing of Experiences

February is the link that cyclically binds winter to spring. It is now that nature prepares to awaken in all its splendor. This is also true for Seniors, who can seize this moment as an opportunity to rediscover themselves, bringing new vitality to their existence and beyond.

Galeno, the great physician of antiquity, emphasized the importance of an active and reflective spirit as one ages. In his De Sanitate Tuenda, he wrote:

Old age is not a disease, but a natural evolution of the soul and body, and it can be lived with vigor and wisdom if well-nourished by knowledge and experience.

What does this mean for us today? Simple. Nourishing ourselves with knowledge and experience means not only preparing to acquire new learning but also leaving a tangible trace of our lives as an act of genuine generosity. The benefit is amplified. The advantage is exponential. On one hand, knowing how to share stories through dedicated training primarily means invigorating one's own heart. On the other, passing on teachings and offering inspiration is a gift full of emotions for those who listen, watch, and participate, even thanks to new technologies. It is an unprecedented elevation of potential.

The Generational Bridge

February is the month that naturally guides us from winter to spring, as it always has. The wonder is that, precisely in the torpor of winter, nature prepares to awaken and bloom once again. This natural cycle of regeneration and rebirth is the path that many Seniors can embark on now. The digital age offers Seniors the opportunity to share their life experiences, telling their stories directly through videos and social media. This is the beating heart of the History Is Us! project, where the concept of giving takes on a profound meaning like never before. It is the opportunity to transform memories into living testimonies, recorded on video and shared online using the most popular and widely known applications and platforms, such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram.

These stories become a precious heritage, even for new generations, who can draw from the wisdom and experience of those who have lived through significant historical moments before them.

Imagine a grandfather recounting, through a video, his childhood in an Italy completely different from today. Or a grandmother sharing the challenges and achievements of a life dedicated to family and work. These stories are not just personal memories but invaluable gifts that enrich those who receive them, amplifying the value of this solid generational bridge.

This is why February is the perfect time to begin this journey of sharing. Just as nature is already preparing for spring, so too can Seniors use this period of their lives to awaken their voices and make their presence felt even in the digital world leaving an indelible mark in the flow of memory that will continue to develop in the time to come, where the soul can pleasantly rediscover itself.

Telling One's Story to Regenerate Oneself

Autobiographical storytelling has extraordinary power. It is about giving meaning to the past today and projecting oneself into the future with newfound awareness. For Seniors, sharing their stories through videos is not only a way to leave behind an invaluable legacy but also an opportunity for personal growth and authentic generosity in valuing their own experiences.

Many scientific studies show that telling one's story helps boost self-esteem, combat loneliness, and improve psychological well-being. Knowing that their experiences can help or inspire others gives a sense of usefulness and continuity with the surrounding world. Every story told is a seed planted in the heart of those who listen or watch a video.

Thousands of years ago, Galeno, in his Preserving Health, already highlighted how well-being even for Seniors is linked not only to physical health but also to the ability to transmit knowledge and teachings, making old age a fertile and not barren period of life.

Those who have lived long and taken care of their health can become guides and counselors for the younger generations, as experience is life's greatest teacher.

Now, to tell one's story, even through videos, it is helpful to know that there are a few simple steps to follow:

• Reflect on Your Story – What episodes of your life do you want to share? Is there a special moment, a lesson learned, a memory that could inspire others?

• Prepare an Outline – You don't need to write everything in detail, but having a clear idea of what you want to share will help you be more fluid and natural.

• Choose the Right Tool – A smartphone, a tablet, or a webcam can be enough to record your video.

• Practice a Few Times – Speak naturally as if you were telling your story to a grandchild or a friend.

• Publish Your Video – You can share it in a WhatsApp group, on YouTube, on social media, or through the History Is Us! project channels to connect with a wider community with shared interests.

• Engage with the Audience – Read comments, respond to those who write to you, and connect with others who share your determination in preserving historical memory.
• Seek Expert Advice – There is always something to learn in life. Get help. Storytelling and Video Making go hand in hand. It's best to be aware of this from the start.

The Gift of Memory

February is the month of regeneration, transformation, and preparation for rebirth. Just as nature renews itself and opens up to spring, Seniors too can seize this moment to open themselves up to the digital world as well and let their stories bloom.

It is never too late to start sharing. To leave a mark, a tangible trace, to feel once again an active part of society, which needs voices of experience this is the right time. Technology, which often seems distant and inaccessible, can become a valuable ally in this journey of sharing and growth.

The History Is Us! project collects and values every single testimony because it believes that every story deserves to be told and heard. February, with its promise of spring, is the perfect time to start. Sharing one's story is an act of generosity; it is a gift of life that continues to blossom in those who listen.

Advanced age, when accompanied by wisdom and moderation, is the noblest period of life, as it offers us the time to reflect and to share with others what we have learned.

This is what Galeno wrote. This is the foundation of our tradition. So, dear Seniors, do not be afraid. Think about the story you want to tell. Write it down. Let's turn on the camera together. Tell it. Share it. 

Your testimony, now, for us at the History Is Us! project, is a precious gift even for the future of the next generations. So, if you truly want to preserve health through the connection of experiences, write to us now at info@historyisus.eu.