János Bődey’s portrait of two Hungarian retirees
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- János Bődey photographed Magdolna (87) and Irén (86) dressed as bride and groom in a retirement home in Páty, near Budapest.
- Magdolna said her secret to longevity is good genes, never having a headache, and walking four long walks a week.
- Irén recommended an active life with walking and traveling and warned against borrowing money, recalling her grandmother’s advice.
- Hungary’s average pension is about £500 a month, making it hard for retirees to afford leisure, culture, or travel.
- Hungary’s retirement homes have long waiting lists, and many elderly now choose them themselves rather than being forced by family.
- János Bődey’s series "Carnival at the Retirement Home" is shortlisted for the Sony World Photography awards 2026 and will be exhibited at Somerset House, London, 17 April–4 May.
- János Bődey notes that moving into retirement homes has shifted from family‑forced decisions to self‑chosen options by elderly people.
Why it matters: The series' Sony World Photography shortlist and upcoming London exhibition give a high‑profile platform to Hungarian retirees' stories, spotlighting how active, creative living can thrive despite low £500‑a‑month pensions and scarce retirement‑home slots, thereby offering role‑model examples for peers and younger generations.
