Latvian seniors choose familiar homes despite growing hardship

Two elderly women in eastern Latvia are reluctant to leave homes that give them familiarity and independence, even as daily life becomes harder. LSM’s Latgale editorial team reports that 85-year-old Lucija and 87-year-old Irēna are not ready to move elsewhere.

Lucija lives with two dogs and a cat in a small bathhouse in Ilzeskalns parish, Rēzekne municipality. Her husband has died, she has no children, and her house burned down 30 years ago. Winter is cold in the bathhouse, gathering firewood takes strength and she has little money left for food. A single shopping trip can cost about 50 euros.

Although she could move to an apartment in the nearby village of Ilzeskalns, Lucija does not want to go. She has a garden and land she still tries to work, as well as her animals.

“I don’t like it there, everyone is a stranger,” she said. “Here I have a dog and a cat, a little garden and potatoes. The dog and cat won’t live in an apartment. They are free. When you tie them up, they cry.”

Irēna, who lives in Augšdaugava municipality, is also not ready to leave her apartment. She has no relatives nearby, and health problems make everyday tasks difficult. Her back hurts, her legs are swollen and she struggles to move around.

“Everyone says I’m not doing well, but I’m used to it. I think it’s very good. I get up when I want and go to bed when I want. Nobody tells me what to do,” Irēna said.

For now, she can remain in her apartment. Mobile care workers have been visiting regularly for about two years, helping her wash and keep the home clean.