Series description
In many countries, the elderly face a profound yet often overlooked crisis: the highest suicide rates of any age group. Despite this, their struggles are rarely included in discussions on mental health and suicide prevention. For their families, each loss leaves heartbreak and unanswered questions. This series presents images of personal objects left behind by older people who took their own lives, offering a glimpse into their untold stories and silent struggles.
Biography
Oded Wagenstein (born 1986) is a portrait photographer and educator who employs a collaborative approach to explore the relationship between aging and exclusion.
His work has been published, among other platforms, by National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, VOGUE and has been displayed internationally, including exhibitions presented in the National Portrait Gallery (London, UK) and the United Nations (NYC, USA).
Untitled
The gun belonging to Moshe Etzion, which he used in his suicide at the age of 88. Moshe deeply valued his independence, particularly his love for driving. After surgery, doctors advised him to stop driving, which he found hard to bear. In his suicide letter, Moshe expressed his fear of becoming a ‘burden’ to his family. He ended his life at his son’s grave, using a gun that had once belonged to his son.
© Oded Wagenstein, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Still Life, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Untitled
Passport photos of Yosef and Tzili Avrahami, who, at the ages of 84 and 83 respectively, chose to end their lives due to fears of mental and physical deterioration in old age. After gathering professional literature on the subject and writing numerous letters to family and friends, they swallowed a mixture of pills with champagne, lying side by side on their bed.
© Oded Wagenstein, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Still Life, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Untitled
A cardboard box with the personal belongings of Moshe Etzion, who took his own life at the age of 88. Inside are letters, postcards from distant trips and photographs – a 'lifelong' collection of memories.
© Oded Wagenstein, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Still Life, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Untitled
Sara (Sari) Paz’s glasses. At 59, Sara took her own life, despite the unwavering support of her daughters. The stigma surrounding suicide often forces families to hide their stories, intensifying their isolation and grief.
© Oded Wagenstein, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Still Life, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Untitled
Moshe Etzion’s suicide note. Moshe took his own life at the age of 88. In his note, he wrote: '...I say goodbye to all of you with love. Death does not scare me. I always wanted to die when my legs still carried me, and my head was clear.’
© Oded Wagenstein, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Still Life, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards