“I was asked about the secret to a happy life. 'Good genes,' replied Magdolna, 87. 'Never take out a loan,' added Irén, 86.”
When I saw these two elderly ladies dressed as bride and groom in a nursing home in Páty, near Budapest, the first thought that came to mind was why they had chosen these costumes. I took a picture of them in the living room of the house and then we had a long conversation. I asked them about their lives, the secret to a long life and how to maintain a love of life in their third age. Both stressed the importance of a long and happy marriage. Magdolna, 87, on the left, lived with her husband for more than 50 years, while Irén, 86, for 62 years, until their spouses died.
In Hungary, the average pension is around £500 a month. It takes a magician’s skill to make a pensioner spend this amount beyond basic needs and find space for entertainment, culture or travel. The health of Hungarian pensioners also does not come close to what is typical in the West. Furthermore, it is very difficult to get into a nursing home in Hungary; you often have to wait years for a good place.
With my series, Carnival in the Nursing Home, I wanted to show people who have managed to overcome these difficulties and who can still live full and happy lives. They can serve as role models not only for their peers, but also for today's middle generation, to plan for the future.
The circumstances of entering a nursing home have changed in recent decades. In the past, it was usually the family that forced this decision at the last moment, when there were no other options. Today, a significant proportion of seniors understand when family members cannot care for them, and then look at different homes and make their own choices.
Personality traits deepen along with wrinkles – good and bad qualities. How each person faces entering a nursing home depends on their typology, life experiences – or even those of their ancestors. Many people face this period with joy and activity – like those who dress up for carnival.
I asked them what their secret to enjoying life was: Magdolna said she had good genes and had never had headaches or other aches. She has always walked a lot and continues to take four long walks a week. Irén also recommended a healthy and active lifestyle, with lots of walking and traveling – and avoiding borrowing. Her grandmother had told her: “Spend only what you have, because debt eats from the same plate as you.”
For me, this is a happy subject. Most of the time I cover conflicts for Telex, the independent online newspaper where I work – social conflicts, political conflicts, wars. Hungary is close to Ukraine, so I was there in the early days of the occupation. Recently we have covered election campaigns, which is stressful, but the series from which this photo is taken was made during the carnival, which starts in February to celebrate the end of winter. These people are happy and the work was fun, playful and inspiring.
I learned that we need to prepare for our retirement years, rather than just let them happen. We need to build up emotional and financial resources by setting goals, trying new things, stepping out of our comfort zone, and being creative.
This was not the first time I chose retired individuals as a subject. I have always had a good relationship with the elderly since childhood, losing my grandparents very young. When I talk to satisfied elderly people, I also feel good. /GazetaExpress/
János Bődey is shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026. Exhibition at Somerset House, London, 17 April–4 May, Worldphoto.org. Guardian readers can use the code GUARDIAN15 for 15% off exhibition tickets (valid until 4 May, 5pm).
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