Croatian retiree shares routine of living on a modest pension

Zvonimir, a 74-year-old retiree in Croatia, has shared his routine of living a self-sufficient life following a 39-year career maintaining machinery at the Gredelj railway vehicle factory. For the past five to six years, he has regularly eaten lunch at the Sveta Ana home for the elderly, where meals cost three euros.

Despite having a modest pension, Zvonimir reports being satisfied with his lifestyle. He manages his expenses by performing household chores himself and carefully budgeting for utilities, noting that heating is his largest monthly cost. He also mentioned his past travels to locations such as China, Italy, France, and Germany, though chronic gastritis now limits his ability to travel extensively.

In Croatia, pensioners are expected to receive an annual pension supplement in December, though the exact amount for 2026 is pending an official government decision due by October 31.