Elena finds connection and belonging
In Moldova, many older people are living on limited pensions, with reduced mobility and few opportunities to stay connected. For those living alone or with little family support, daily life can become quiet and isolated.
Elena, an older woman living alone in Moldova, knew this reality well. But through Dorcas’ Community Safety Nets (CSNs), her story began to change, showing how regular contact, community life and practical support can support older people to feel seen, valued and connected again.
A life with limited support
Elena, a pensioner in Moldova, knows what it means to have limited support around her. Living on a modest income, she lives alone and has no children. Relatives, including several nieces and nephews, visit only occasionally. A neighbour has become an important source of companionship, but before Elena joined the project, much of her daily life was marked by solitude.
Finding friendship and hope
Joining the CSN-project of Dorcas Moldova gave Elena new opportunities to connect with others. Alongside practical support, she received visits from project staff and took part in community celebrations and activities with other participants.
She remembers the moments that brought particular joy: Christmas gifts, financial support that helped her buy firewood for the winter, visits from project staff and community gatherings where she could spend time with others. For Elena, these moments were about more than practical support. They gave her a sense of connection and reminded her that she was not forgotten.
Through spending time with other participants, Elena formed new friendships. They shared experiences, spent time together and supported one another. Over almost 20 years of implementation in the community, the project has helped strengthen social connections among older people who might otherwise experience isolation.
Elena: ‘For me, this project does not only mean I support. It means that I am not forgotten. It means that someone, somewhere, thinks of me and reaches out a hand. The gifts, the visits, the kind words – they have all brought light into my soul. They made me feel joy and hope again.’
Growing older with dignity
Elena hopes to see wider change for pensioners in Moldova, including fairer pensions, decent living conditions and the opportunity to grow older in peace and dignity.
Elena’s story highlights that protecting the rights and dignity of older people also means ensuring they can participate in community life and maintain meaningful connections with others. Practical support matters, but so do regular visits, a sense of belonging and opportunities to stay connected. Being seen and valued means knowing that you still have a place in your community.
As part of Dorcas’ 2026 International Day of Older Persons campaign, ‘Seen and valued – rights and dignity of older people’, we are highlighting the rights, dignity and contributions of older people and the value they bring to their communities.
