Each morning, 71-year-old Elmira Sargsyan starts her day with a short walk or light exercise — stretching, breathing exercises, and a few wall push-ups to improve her flexibility and well-being. Her morning walk is a must in her daily routine, as she enjoys the fresh air and peaceful surroundings of Vanadzor Old Age Home, which helps set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Grandma Elmira fills her days with knitting and embroidery. She especially loves knitting small socks for toddlers, along with dresses and vests for future children. “It’s a gift for those who will have babies — maybe even someone from the VOAH staff,” she says with a smile, adding that knitting helps her relax.
Elmira found her new home at Vanadzor Old Age Home three years ago. After losing her husband and with no children to care for her, she faced a difficult decision: stay in her home village in Shirak Province or find a place where she could receive support and companionship. “I miss my village, Ashotsk, very much. But here, I’m surrounded by kind people, beautiful nature, and a sense of belonging. The nature here reminds me of home. If I hadn’t come here, I’d be alone all day. Now, I have people to talk to, to laugh with. We share meals, we share memories — and that makes all the difference,” she says frankly.
In addition to knitting and reading, Elmira often plays backgammon with other VOAH seniors — mostly men — and she often wins. She admits that at VOAH, she has found a renewed sense of purpose. Along with more than 50 other seniors, Elmira not only has a warm, safe shelter, but also receives essential medical care, psychological support, and the comfort of a close-knit community where she can live with dignity.
“I never wanted to be a burden on anyone,” she says. “Here, I feel safe, supported, and I have the freedom to do the things I love.”
To help more than 50 low-income seniors at VOAH build friendships and live meaningful lives, consider donating to FAR today.
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