Two generations, two pensions, one home
For the past 40 years, 90-year-old Anna Jan has called Epukiro Post 3, in Omaheke region home. Time has brought countless changes, but one thing has remained constant – her determination to keep going, no matter the challenges.
Despite her age, Anna still wakes up each day ready to care for her 66-year-old daughter, Katrina Jan, who has been unwell and now depends on her mother's support.
Speaking to Network Media Hub last Friday, Anna said she is grateful to have reached the age of 90 and still feels strong enough to look after herself and her daughter.
"I thank God for giving me a long life," she said. "I'm 90 now, but I still feel strong. As long as I can wake up every morning, I will continue doing what I can."
The pair rely entirely on their monthly old-age pensions of N$1 600 each to survive. A significant portion of their income is spent on medication and other health-related expenses, leaving little for groceries and other household necessities.
"We have to make the money last because medicine comes first," Katrina said. "After that, we buy food and whatever else we can afford."
Over the years, the mother and daughter have also taken on odd jobs whenever opportunities arose to supplement their income. Although such work has become less frequent as they have grown older, they say every little bit helped them put food on the table and cover essential expenses.
"When my money is finished, my daughter helps me if she still has something," Anna explained. "And when hers is finished, I help her. That's how we survive."
Katrina said living on a pension requires careful planning, especially when unexpected costs arise.
"The money doesn't last the whole month," she said. "We budget carefully and help each other because that's all we have."
Their relationship reflects more than just family ties. It is a partnership built on decades of resilience, sacrifice and unconditional love.
Although many would expect a daughter to care for her ageing mother, their roles have, in many ways, been reversed. Anna continues to provide comfort, guidance and practical support, proving that motherhood does not end with age.
Looking back on four decades in Epukiro Post 3, Anna says she has witnessed many hardships but remains grateful for the life she has lived.
"I've lived here for 40 years," she said. "Life has never been easy, but I'm thankful to still be here. As long as God gives me strength, I will continue caring for my daughter."
For the two women, every month is a careful balancing act. Between medication, food and daily essentials, their pensions are quickly stretched, yet they continue to face each day together, drawing strength from one another and from a bond that has endured through every stage of life.
