Aging Gracefully: 5 Beautiful Indonesian Grannies (a photo essay)

Aging gracefully is something we hear about a lot. In Indonesia, it was something I frequently saw. I found these women, locals I met while traveling, to be truly beautiful–they were lovely, classy and full of dignity.

When I photographed them, it was sort of random and I wasn’t necessarily planning a post. So, unfortunately, I didn’t write their names down. Now, I wish I had.

Anyway, here they are–the Indonesian grannies whom I found to be beautiful–inside and out. Hope you enjoy meeting them!

Stunning Villager (Sumatra)

I met this lovely lady one day while taking a walk in Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. Her grandchildren struck up a conversation with me, and they invited me inside their home, too. While there, I noticed her and how beautiful she was and asked permission to take photos. She said yes.

Sweet Grandma (Sumatra)

I don’t recall exactly where I met this lady–I think it was in a very tiny village and that it was just a brief encounter. I thought she had a sweet face, with gorgeous skin and warm eyes. Definitely cute.

Augus’s Mother (Sumatra)

This woman is the mother of a man named Augus (and I believe a grandma to his sister’s children). When I met her, she offered me tea and cookies and we sat and just passed the time in her living room. My friend Eti served as interpreter.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon, too, because I knew her son, Augus, quite well. And he happened to be there, which made it fun. He’s a quirky character I’d hung out with quite a bit, who lives in a small hut on a nearby mountain. A fan of Clint Eastwood and a huge flirt, he was listed in my Offbeat Experiences I Had in Sumatra post.

Coffee Bean Roaster (Bali)

I thought this woman was gorgeous. I loved her clothes and more importantly, the smile on her face. I recall my guide telling me that she’s been working there on the coffee estate for many years and truly loves her work. Judging from the look on her face, I believe it!

Mama Soto, Massage Therapist (Gili Meno, Lombok)

This woman’s name I remember because I met her during my final days in Indonesia while on the wonderful island known as Gili Meno. Every time I saw her, she said, “I am Mama Soto.”

She was a ‘massage tout’ and a real character. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted a massage with her; I’d already had quite a few. Finally, I gave in. Turned out to be a very good one. Her hands are incredibly strong.

A few days after I had a massage with her, she and her family invited me to break their Ramadan fast with them–to have dinner together with them at their home. The food was fantastic and I enjoyed the experience very much.

Niar–Eti’s Mother (Sumatra)

I saw this woman every day for close to a month because I was living with her and her daughter/the rest of the family) while volunteering at the local school). I thought she  she was really special, too. She had lovely energy. She spoke no English and I spoke 10 words of Bahasa, but somehow, we communicated.

We always said good morning to each other and ‘how are you’ and sometimes sat on the porch together. We also shared fruit at times. One time, she was struggling to take her medicine and I helped her.

However we were interacting, we were always smiling or laughing about something. Definitely some fun times!

I think I wrote her name down somewhere, but can’t find it. Once I get it, I will add it to the post.

Reactions/Thoughts?

Have you met any cool grannies or grandpas or other elderly while traveling? How about in Asia? If so, what were they like? Did you photograph them? Did you have the opportunity to hear their stories via an interpreter?

What are your thoughts re: aging gracefully in your own country and around the world? Any theories why it seems to happen more in certain countries than others? I personally think it’s the culture and lifestyle. A lot less stressful in many countries vs here in the US. Also, for the most part, the elderly are treated with more reverence in other cultures.