Non c’è tempo per essere tristi

It’s never too late to become an influencer. Proof of this is Licia Fertz, the most loved ninety-year-old on Instagram. She presents herself with her colourful clothes, pop accessories and a contagious smile. The idea of opening an Instagram account came from Emanuele, her grandson, with whom she has a very close relationship. Emanuele, on seeing her grieving and depressed because of the death of her husband after more than 62 years of marriage, thought he’d do something to cheer her up and help her find once again that joie de vivre that had always allowed her to overcome the hard times. With the format “Buongiorno Nonna” [“Hello Granny”] Licia was off on a grand adventure. She decided to live her years fearlessly and without limits, for example posing nude for a photographer, letting people see how beauty has no expiry date, because it’s not like yogurt.  Born in 1930 during a storm, she lived through the Second World War between Trieste and her grandparents’ house in Istria. Her family lost their property and land there, driven out by Tito’s army. During the years she lots her beloved daughter Licia, Emanuele\’s mother.  When also her husband Aldo passed away, her nephew Emanuele couldn’t bear seeing his grandmother descend ever further into depression because with all the things she’d had to bear throughout her life, he wanted her to live her old age with the spirit of resilience that she’d always demonstrated even before the most traumatic events. And so the idea of Instagram, of “Buongiorno Nonna” and of documenting, through photos and videos, the days of a ninety-year-old who deals with life with positiveness, curiosity and irony.Licia’s strength is an example for everyone, it knows no limit of age. During her life she’s had to face up to many challenges – some simple, others more painful. But she’s never stopped reacting and she does this both for herself and for her grandson Emanuele, who now wants to continue to grant her all the happiness he can.