1 in 6 by 2030

Beatriz Amado, a vivacious 72-year-old woman, embodies a life characterized by curiosity, connection, and a deep commitment to personal growth. At the heart of Beatriz's mission is empathy. After founding an NGO to provide support for adoptive families, where she worked for over 20 years, her passion for understanding the human psyche led her to a new path. Now immersed in psychoanalysis, Beatriz offers sessions for families, couples, and adults. Alongside her professional pursuits, she nurtures a love for travel and connecting with new people. Residing in a beautiful house in São Paulo, Brazil, Beatriz cherishes her life as a wife, mother, and, most recently, as a grandmother. She lightens up when family and friends are around, especially her young granddaughters. What sets Beatriz apart is not just her chronological age, but her timeless spirit of exploration and learning. Beatriz Amado's story is a mosaic of family bonds, global exploration, and an intrinsic desire to understand the human mind and behavior. Her life's journey encapsulates the essence of a well-rounded existence, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a genuine love for both the inner workings of humanity and the diverse tapestry of the world. As she continues to break the mold of aging, her story remains an eloquent reminder that life's possibilities are boundless for those who approach it with an open heart and an insatiable curiosity.

This essay is part of the project 1 in 6 by 2030, led and organized by VII Photo's photographers Ed Kashi, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, and Sara Terry. See Beatriz Amado's whole story and interview here.

 1 in 6 by 2030 is a global, collaborative project that brings together photographers from around the world to put a human face on one of the most important "statistics" of our time — the fact that by the year 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be over the age of 60.

São Paulo, Brazil, 2023.