Creating a Digital Legacy: How Seniors Can Share Their Stories Online
Once upon a time, there were kids who had to use paper and pencils to write, well…anything. Yikes.
The years went by. Those kids – AKA you - graduated to electric typewriters and carbon paper – along with the dreaded white-out to correct errors. And let’s not forget ditto machines to make blurry blue copies with indelible ink that stained clothing, furniture – and you. Try explaining that to your tech savvy, digitally advanced grandkids. They will ask where you parked your dinosaur.
So fast forward to the 21st century. The digital age that has impacted our lives in ways we could never have imagined. Like…Amazon. Seriously? The apps keep coming at lightning speed. For seniors it can be a struggle to keep up. But, with a little effort – and maybe a tip or two from those younger loved ones - seniors can become part of the conversation, using digital tools to make their voices heard.
No other living generation has as vast a treasure trove of accumulated experiences to share. And now, seniors have the distinction of being the first elders to take advantage of digital platforms to leave a lasting legacy. Record your stories, your perspectives on life, or any pearls of wisdom you wish to impart for posterity. No carbon paper or white-out necessary. Thank goodness.
Digital Storytelling Improves Quality of Life
The benefits of digital storytelling might surprise you. According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, digital storytelling (DST) can improve both the quality of life and mental health of older adults. In fact, participants in the study showed a decrease in depression and loneliness. DST also has the potential to promote better intergenerational connection and understanding.
Check out these 3 different digital storytelling platforms and get ready to tell all – or at least some. What happened in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Storyworth has the art of digital storytelling down to a science. Over a period of 12 months, once a week, Storyworth will send you a question to answer. The questions are designed to evoke memories of your childhood, family, career or philosophies of life. If you don’t feel comfortable with the question they send, you are free to explore their vast list of others. The idea is to create parameters, so you are not just facing a daunting blank page. The transactions take place by email. After compiling your 52 short written essays, Storyworth will create a book for you and your family to enjoy. The beauty of the process is it forces you to stroll down your personal memory lanes, to remember life’s victories, challenges, and milestones.
My Stories Matter takes a different approach to preserving memories. This company offers several options including transferring your spoken memories into writing and creating a memory book. If you need inspiration, they will pair you with what they call a “concierge interviewer,” to help elicit and sort your memories and manage a writing and editing team for you. If you wish to do your own writing, but could use some assistance, you can opt for a writing helper.
Biograf is an app described on its website as “AI-empowered” storytelling. The app uses artificial intelligence to assist you with prompts, cues and suggestions that transform your video stories into compelling narratives.
Write Your Own Story
If you are confident enough to sit down and dictate or type your story into your computer without any assistance, you can get one of your kids to set up a website for you and blog - or Vlog (video blog) – to your heart’s content.
And of course, to share thoughts and feelings on a more regular basis there is always Facebook and Instagram, or just a simple text with a picture of your latest adventure to the family chain.
As the generation that grew up being told children were to be seen and not heard, you are now officially entitled to be seen and heard. Nobody understands that better than Overture. The single purpose of their premium senior living apartment communities is to serve your retirement needs and aspirations. Book a tour today.
Make this chapter the highlight of your story.