Feminization of Aging refers to the phenomenon in which women make up a disproportionately large share of the elderly population worldwide.  This is due to women’s longer life expectancy compared to men, as well as socio-economic, cultural, and health disparities that affect aging differently.
 

Globally, populations are aging rapidly. Many older women face financial disparities due to economic, social, and cultural differences. This leaves them vulnerable to poverty, particularly in countries lacking robust social safety nets.  In societies that previously cared for their elderly, we now see them being abandoned in later years because families have decided to leave rural villages in search of work and a better life. The women I met in Bulgaria and Romania live alone in mountain villages, isolated from their families and friends, struggling to survive day by day.  

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 In India, elderly women are living on the streets because of this situation.  They are mistaken for beggars but are only trying to survive. Because of a deep-rooted caste system, abandoned women, young and old, are tossed into the mass of humanity on their own, invisibly blending into the 'normal' scenery. Those from higher castes and with some education can retreat to ashrams.  Life for them is a bit easier. They can connect with others like themselves, and this lessens their loneliness.

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Loneliness among the elderly is a significant issue with wide-ranging impacts on their mental and physical health. As people age, they may experience social isolation due to the loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and retirement from work. This can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and various health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and weakened immune systems. Addressing loneliness in the elderly involves a combination of community support, technology, and healthcare interventions.

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My work is driven by a strong commitment to truth, dignity, and the power of visual storytelling. I strive to capture moments of grace, beauty, resilience, vulnerability, and strength, offering a window into the worlds that deserve to be seen and understood. This work aims to challenge perceptions, evoke empathy, and inspire action. Each image is a testament to the human spirit – an invitation to witness, reflect, and engage.