Seven years ago, I made a project ago about my grandmother, the strongest and most independent woman I know.

Birgit Winther lives by herself in a three-bedroom house in the suburb of Brøndbyøster, west of Copenhagen. Her three children moved out of the house many years ago, leaving their old rooms empty, and her husband passed away several years ago.

Although Birgit lives alone, she is far from lonely. Her calendar is filled with plans to see friends and family, visit exhibitions and classical concerts. When she is not out, she spends her time attending her garden, baking, reading or watching tv.

The last couple of years a feeling of insufficiency has been creeping up on the 84-year-old. She lets one of her grandsons mow the lawn and cut the hedges, because she doesn’t have the energy for that anymore, and she has considered moving to a small sheltered housing unit. But she hates the thought of being without her neighbors, especially the woman, Elinor.

Birgit and Elinor look out for each other. Every morning, when Birgit walks out the door, she waves her hand at Elinor’s bedroom window. If everything is all right, Elinor waves back, smiling.