Profiles of elderly craftsmen and professionals in Serbia and Croatia

Miodrag Mijo Bajić, a 93-year-old craftsman from Trbušan near Čačak, Serbia, has dedicated over seven decades to the specialized craft of accordion repair and creation. Having repaired more than 8,000 instruments, Bajić attracts musicians from across Serbia and abroad to his workshop. He emphasizes that repairing an accordion requires understanding its unique character and tone rather than just replacing parts, a skill he has honed since he began making his own instruments in 1957.

In Nova Gradiška, Croatia, Dr. Radomir Dumičić, approaching his 86th birthday, shares reflections on a life defined by continuous learning and resilience. Having grown up during wartime, Dumičić discusses the importance of early upbringing and social connection, expressing concern over the perceived alienation of modern youth. He advocates for a life filled with purpose, responsibilities, and goals, noting that time passes rapidly.