At 20 years old, Faouzi was sleeping in a Sonacotra dormitory in Rouen. At 72 years old, Faouzi now sleeps in an Adoma dormitory in Marseille. Adoma was formerly known as the National Society for the Construction of Housing for Algerian workers. From being a “young foreign worker” to a “retired immigrant”, Faouzi’s status has changed over the years. His hair has turned white, and his back has undergone surgery to fix his vertebrae. His children have grown up and had children of their own. For the past three renewals of his residence permit, he has been granted ten years each time. Faouzi prefers to be called a “young chibani” rather than just a chibani, as he still feels energetic and walks a lot.
Faouzi, a Muslim of Tunisian descent and a citizen of Marseille, starts his day around 9:30 am. He leaves his 17-square-meter room in the Capelette neighborhood of Marseille and heads towards the city center. Whether by bus, on foot, or a combination of both, Faouzi does not let the weather stop him from going out, even if it is a rainy day. He wears blue plastic shoe covers from the mosque over his socks and shoes to keep his feet dry. Faouzi values modern and comfortable clothing, often wearing a sweatshirt and sneakers. He enjoys taking walks along the Vieux-Port, the corniche, or Pointe-Rouge to get some fresh air.
Faouzi enjoys going window shopping during sales on Rue de Rome or Rue Saint-Ferréol, but he prefers shopping at Primark where he can find what he needs before his trips to Tunisia. He refers to himself as the family stylist. He also knows a small thrift store on Cours Julien that sells nice corduroy khaki pants for 1 euro. In order to keep up with his active lifestyle, Faouzi makes sure to have a hearty breakfast despite having to watch his cholesterol. His morning meal consists of an egg without the yolk, a slice of jam without butter, and a coffee with chocolate, chicory, and lots of milk. Faouzi’s daily routine involves a lot of walking, and he is determined to adapt to any health concerns.
Faouzi’s daily routine in Marseille reflects his active lifestyle and positive attitude towards aging. Despite being labeled as a chibani due to his Algerian heritage, Faouzi prefers to see himself as a young chibani who is still full of energy. He enjoys exploring the city, shopping for fashionable clothing, and taking care of his health through regular walks and a balanced diet. Faouzi’s resilience and adaptability serve as an inspiration, showing that age is just a number and that one’s mindset plays a significant role in maintaining a fulfilling life. Through his daily activities and interactions, Faouzi embodies a sense of optimism and appreciation for the simple joys in life.
