The Old

When is it too late to aspire for a better life? Not only the young are fleeing their war-torn countries, the older generations also want to spend the rest of their lives in peace and with their families.
The long journey to Europe is perilous and demanding even for the fittest. The old go through the same challenges and difficulties but without the energy and strength of the young and of often needing more medical assistance.
In these eyes full of wisdom and experience, I was seeing my own beloved grandparents and could not help but be glad they did not have to pursue such a hardship.
Here is an intimate and close look at what is the reality of the older generation going through the refugee crisis.

*** VERSION FRANÇAISE ***

The story of crossing the sea on the dinghy boat can be read in her eyes. Skala Sikamineas, Lesvos, Greece.
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Alone with her daughter, carrying the wheelchair on thousands of kilometers in rough terrains was not an easy task. She was doing all she could to protect her mother. Idomeni, Greece.
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Having lost her husband days ago in a car accident, she lost at the same time her mean of transportation to get to the hospital where she receives dialysis treatments regularly. NGOs do not operate in those camps. Akkar district, Lebanon.
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A man struggles to get out of the dinghy boat arriving on the shore. All the volunteers are doing an incredible job saving lives but in the chaos, tragedies happen and many lose their lives so close to their goal. Lesvos, Greece.
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Having just arrived on the island, this man has the most dangerous part of the journey behind him but still many days of walking ahead. The thermal blanket will keep him warm for a while but he will need dry clothes as soon as possible. Lesvos, Greece.
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In the harsh weather conditions at Moria, anything can be used to protect from the rain. No shelter or better alternative is provided and the old are particularly vulnerable to diseases. Moria Camp, Lesvos, Greece.
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A lady enjoys a cigarette watching the sunrise in the ferry arriving in Athens. It could be a family holiday but it's not. Aegean Sea, Greece.
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A woman struggles in the chaos to enter Gevgelija camp. The old are particularly vulnerable in the crowds and panic of mass movement. Gevgelija, Macedonia (FYROM).
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As everyone pushes to get inside the camp, an old lady is helped by her grandson. Without their families and the younger ones, the journey would be impossible but one can always counts on his family. Gevgelija, Macedonia.
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A lady is helped to the train by her family and volunteers. Gevgelija, Macedonia (FYROM).
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Waiting for the train in a less than comfortable place. There is no proper installation to support the old along the journey. Gevgelija, Macedonia (FYROM).
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All the NGOs such as Macedonian Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders are doing a vital job providing much needed basic healthcare. Gevgelija, Macedonia (FYROM).
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Even in all the difficulties, smiles of hope shine on the faces of the old. They are following what is most important for them; their family. Gevgelija, Macedonia.
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