Carnival Celebrations Illuminate Life in Hungarian Retirement Homes
In a retirement home in Páty, near Budapest, two elderly women dressed as a bride and groom for carnival celebrations became the focus of a poignant photographic series. Mrs Géza Bölcskey, née Magdolna Tarján, aged 87, and Mrs Ferenc Németh, née Irén Alapi, aged 86, embody resilience and joy in their later years, as captured by photographer János Bődey in his project Carnival Celebrations in Retirement Homes in Hungary.
Secrets to a Long and Happy Life
After photographing the pair in the home's lounge, Bődey engaged them in a deep conversation about their lives. When asked the secret to a happy existence, Magdolna attributed it to good genes, noting she had never experienced headaches or other pains. Irén emphasised avoiding debt, quoting her grandmother: "Only spend what you have, because debt eats from the same plate as you." Both women highlighted the importance of long, happy marriages—Magdolna lived with her husband for over 50 years, and Irén for 62 years, until their spouses passed away.
Challenges Facing Hungarian Pensioners
Hungary's pension system presents significant hurdles for the elderly. The average monthly pension is roughly equivalent to £500, forcing many to stretch funds beyond basic needs with little room for leisure or travel. Health standards among pensioners also lag behind Western norms, and securing a spot in a retirement home often requires years of waiting for a suitable place.
Bődey's series aims to showcase individuals who overcome these difficulties, leading fulfilling lives that serve as role models for peers and the middle generation alike. He notes that attitudes toward moving into homes have shifted; while families once forced the decision as a last resort, many elderly now proactively choose homes when family care becomes unfeasible.
Personality and Resilience in Aging
As wrinkles deepen, so do personality traits—both positive and negative. Coping with retirement home life depends on one's character and life experiences. Bődey observed that many, like those who dress up for carnival, approach this period with cheer and activity. Magdolna maintains an active lifestyle with four long walks weekly, while Irén advocates for a healthy, travel-filled life.
A Happy Departure from Conflict Reporting
For Bődey, this project offered a joyful contrast to his usual work covering social, political, and war conflicts for the independent online newspaper Telex. Based in Hungary, near Ukraine, he reported on the early days of the invasion and stressful election campaigns. The carnival series, created during February celebrations marking winter's end, provided fun and inspiring interactions with contented elders.
He learned that preparing for retirement involves gathering emotional and financial resources through goal-setting, creativity, and stepping out of comfort zones. Having lost his grandparents young, Bődey has always connected well with elderly people, finding solace in their contentment.
Recognition and Career Insights
Bődey's work has gained acclaim, with Carnival at the Retirement Home shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 and selected as one of the 20 awardees by the International Photography Festivals Association in 2025. An exhibition at Somerset House in London runs from 17 April to 4 May, with Guardian readers eligible for a 15% discount using code GUARDIAN15 until 4 May at 5pm.
Born in 1977 in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, Bődey initially pursued a career in economics, graduating from Budapest University of Economics and working in corporate management for 13 years. At age 35, he made a bold career change to photojournalism, advising others not to fear such transitions. His series not only captures festive moments but also sparks reflection on aging, happiness, and societal support for the elderly.
