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Suddenly, They Were Not There
When I moved to Warsaw in 2008 to study here, I was fascinated by the city and let myself be carried along by its energy. Over time, however, I started noticing things that were quite different compared to other cities in Germany. My circle of acquaintances naturally consisted of like-minded people and peers, so it was only natural not to encounter the 65+ generation. Perhaps the 65+ generation simply has different meeting places and favorite spots than mine?
Over time, I discovered more and more of Warsaw—restaurants, museums, trendy spots for relaxed evenings by the Vistula River, and the many large shopping malls, of which there are an incredible number here. But even in these places, I noticed hardly any members of the older generation. It made me a bit puzzled. In German cities, retirees often sit in cafés and go to shopping malls. But in Warsaw, you rarely saw older people, mostly just walking along the streets. In a shopping mall? Almost never.
The first time the question was explicitly raised in my presence was by a German tourist. After spending almost three hours with the group, touring Łazienki Park, the Palace of Culture and Science, and the Old Town along Krakowskie Przedmieście, someone finally asked:
Where are your grandmas and grandpas?
Warsaw is one of the youngest cities in Poland and Europe. Those who want to make something of themselves in this country come to the Polish capital. The influx of young, motivated workers is enormous, and you can feel the pressure from outside growing year by year.
An older person is very reluctant to change their place of residence. Warsaw is also very loud and sprawling. Life here tires older people out rather than allowing them to relax. What’s the point of being able to stroll through a park if the journey through the chaos of the metropolis makes it doubly exhausting?
But surely there are still people aged 65 and older living here, right?
Warsaw Is Not for the Elderly
I have only one explanation for this phenomenon: it must come down to money. The 65+ generation simply cannot afford an active public life. Many of these individuals receive pensions of 300 euros, and a lucky few perhaps 500 euros. A coffee costing 3 euros is expensive with such an income. A lunch or dinner for 15 euros is far out of reach.
The places where our grandmas and grandpas spend their free time are marked by modesty and frugality. At marketplaces, they can stroll around and occasionally treat themselves to something. For me personally, it’s a sad thought, and I can only be grateful that I have no grandma or grandpa who must live under such circumstances.
The city is slowly waking up and noticing its older residents. Until now, since the big boom that started in 2004, the focus has only been on the wealthiest inhabitants. Investments have, of course, been made with the expectation of doubling the profits. But the city is beginning to reflect. It’s not enough to honor the uniformed veterans of the Warsaw Uprising or World War II on anniversaries, only to send them back to their small apartments in Soviet-era prefab buildings by taxi.
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