Elder people, Peru, 2015
Back in 2015, I embarked on a small project centered around elder people. The reason for choosing this topic was the harsh reality that many of them found themselves unprotected and without basic necessities such as money and food while living on the streets. Often, these individuals were emigrants who had traveled from other cities to Lima, the capital, in search of employment and a way to earn a living. This project was initially created as part of a university course, but it turned out to be an opportunity for me to share my experience and the valuable lessons I learned from these senior citizens.
“Please, do not take me a picture. He would come and I can have problems.””
During the process of taking these photographs, I recall feeling quite nervous. Some of the individuals I encountered warned me to be cautious and advised me that I might encounter trouble. On occasion, while I was photographing, I'd look up to see a man approaching me. Although I had the chance to speak with some of the elders, many times the opportunity didn't present itself. Looking back, I can't say for sure if these people are still with us, and I often wish I could have done more to assist them.
Older people working
Many of the elders I encountered had to work tirelessly to survive. While it was relatively easy to find them on the street and initiate conversation, not all were open to sharing their stories or having their pictures taken. One woman, in particular, expressed her hesitation, sharing how journalists often approached them with promises of assistance in exchange for interviews. Although I couldn't provide anything beyond food and a platform for their stories, some still believed I was affiliated with the government and could offer more tangible assistance. Once I explained that the project was part of a university course, some individuals were more inclined to participate, while others remained skeptical.
One individual that stands out in my memory is Mario, who was 73 years old at the time of our encounter. Mario shared that he woke up at 5 a.m. every morning and worked well into the night, sometimes until 9 or 10 p.m., to support his family. If he didn't work all these hours, he wouldn't have enough money to afford food for the next day. Mario spent hours walking and offering his plastic bags to people at Centro de Lima in the hopes that someone would buy at least one. His dedication and hard work serve as a reminder of the difficulties that many elders face in Peru and other parts of the world.
Like Mario, many others live the same situation...
