Romania's population is getting older with each generation.
Economic instability and lack of job prospects have decreased the country's
birthrate and at the same time people simply live longer than they used to 100
or even 50 years ago. Romania's aging population is a topic of public
discussion but only in terms of money. Pension fund deficits are making news
headlines at least twice a year within governmental budget decisions. Public
policies regarding the elderly though are seldom thought of, let alone planned
and approved by public authorities.
The “Aging Romania” project is attempting to explore the
universe of longevity and at least partly answer the question “How exactly is
Romania aging” or better said “Is longevity a gift in our country or rather a
commodity that expires if people's money run out”. The mosaic of portraits
(project ongoing) tries to provide an in depth look at life at the golden age
and also identify faulty mechanisms that need fixing through public policies.
See full project here: www.romaniaimbatraneste.ro
Ioana Paunescu, 101 and Ion Paunescu, 101, Bucharest
Both widowers, Ioana and Ion
Paunescu got married when they were 73 years old. It was not out of love, but
out of a mutual need and desire not to grow old alone. Two years ago, Ion
Paunescu got Alzheimer.
Leorda elder care centre, Botosani county
The elder care centre in Leorda is a state own facility. Its personnel consists of one medical nurse and two care assistants per each twelve hours shift. They have to attend to almost 70 persons.
The voters
On May 25th, 2014 the
European Parliament elections were held in Romania. The most constant voter
segment were, again, the elders. Usually, the only reason they would miss on
voting is illness. Therefore, they are an extremely influent segment when it
comes to deciding the country’s political future and at the same time, the
target for campaign promises.
Burzusi family, Hetea village
Gheorghe Burzusi, 59 is the Roma representative in his village, inhabited by 136 families. He has a very numerous family, most of his children and grandchildren still living in Hetea as well. Their most vivid desire is for their village to have one more water supply.
Gheorghe Burzusi, 59 is the Roma representative in his village, inhabited by 136 families. He has a very numerous family, most of his children and grandchildren still living in Hetea as well. Their most vivid desire is for their village to have one more water supply.
Niculina Ion, 92, Salcioara village
Niculina Ion became a widow when she was 30 years old and never remarried. Since then, she lives alone in her 8 square meter kitchen. Is not that her house doesn’t have any more rooms, it’s just she does not know what to do with more space. She is religious, but lately she hasn’t gone much to church, because she did not have money to give to the priest for his services.
Niculina Ion became a widow when she was 30 years old and never remarried. Since then, she lives alone in her 8 square meter kitchen. Is not that her house doesn’t have any more rooms, it’s just she does not know what to do with more space. She is religious, but lately she hasn’t gone much to church, because she did not have money to give to the priest for his services.
Francisc Barabas, 76, Petrila
Francisc Barabas worked most of his life in a coal mine. Even after going into pension, he did not stop working. He went for ten years in Hungary and another 4 in Austria, where he worked as a mason. Now, he helps around here and there and takes care of his sick wife.
Francisc Barabas worked most of his life in a coal mine. Even after going into pension, he did not stop working. He went for ten years in Hungary and another 4 in Austria, where he worked as a mason. Now, he helps around here and there and takes care of his sick wife.
Costache Herescu, 72, Mihai Eminescu village
Costache Herescu lived all his life in the village Mihai Eminescu, Botosani county. These days, the village counts only six inhabitants. His wife died one and a half years ago, so he spends his time among the few animals he has left and working in the garden.
Costache Herescu lived all his life in the village Mihai Eminescu, Botosani county. These days, the village counts only six inhabitants. His wife died one and a half years ago, so he spends his time among the few animals he has left and working in the garden.
Dimon family, Predeal
Vasile Dimon is 57 and he is unemployed. Thousands of people aged over 50 are unsuccessfully looking for a job in Romania. The Dimon family was lucky enough that their own daughter and son in law were able to support them for a period of time, until Vasile’s wife got her pension.
Vasile Dimon is 57 and he is unemployed. Thousands of people aged over 50 are unsuccessfully looking for a job in Romania. The Dimon family was lucky enough that their own daughter and son in law were able to support them for a period of time, until Vasile’s wife got her pension.
Ioan Dobrescu, 78, Poiana Marului
Since Ioan Dobrescu lost his wife, he cannot find his place in his own home. Even if he is surrounded by his children and grandchildren who come to visit regularly, it’s when evening comes that he feels the loneliest.
Since Ioan Dobrescu lost his wife, he cannot find his place in his own home. Even if he is surrounded by his children and grandchildren who come to visit regularly, it’s when evening comes that he feels the loneliest.
Ivascu family, Buzescu village
Sevastiana and Nicolae Ivascu have raised three children. They all left to work in Spain because they could not find any jobs either in Buzescu or Alexandria, the closest town, to allow them to offer a good life to their children. Sevastian and Nicolae Ivascu starting parenting again by raising two of their granddaughters. They do have financial help from the girls’ mother, who sends money each month.
Sevastiana and Nicolae Ivascu have raised three children. They all left to work in Spain because they could not find any jobs either in Buzescu or Alexandria, the closest town, to allow them to offer a good life to their children. Sevastian and Nicolae Ivascu starting parenting again by raising two of their granddaughters. They do have financial help from the girls’ mother, who sends money each month.
Traditions
In the Romanian rural communities, there’s a real battle going on for keeping the old traditions. Together with Romania entering the European Union come sets of rules and regulations that contradict the ways the elders see things done. The most rooted traditions manage to stay alive, while others change or simply disappear.
In the Romanian rural communities, there’s a real battle going on for keeping the old traditions. Together with Romania entering the European Union come sets of rules and regulations that contradict the ways the elders see things done. The most rooted traditions manage to stay alive, while others change or simply disappear.
