When Adriana Iliescu gave birth to her daughter Eliza in 2005, at the age of 66, she became the oldest mother in history, garnering international attention. Around the world, her narrative captivated, motivated, and occasionally provoked controversy.
Adriana refused to let public scrutiny stop her from embracing parenthood with an intensity that shocked many, defying the constraints that many thought age dictated. What transpired was an amazing journey filled with hardships, fortitude, and an unbreakable mother-daughter bond.
Adriana did not have a typical path to parenthood. Before opting to follow her lifelong desire of being a mother, the Romanian academic and children’s book author had led a full and prosperous academic life.
Although she had always desired children, she had trouble getting pregnant naturally due to a number of circumstances and health issues. In her mid-60s, she made the contentious decision to pursue in-vitro fertilization (IVF) due of her advanced age.
After a difficult pregnancy, Adriana had a caesarean section in 2005 to deliver Eliza. Only one of the triplets, Eliza, made it through the pregnancy. Eliza had a rough beginning because she was born early and weighed only 1.4 kilogrammes, or roughly 3 pounds.
But while under her mother’s care, she flourished. Adriana took motherhood with passion and determination, even if she was chastised for having a kid so late in life. She frequently dismissed the criticism, claiming that her age did not determine her capacity to be a good mother.
Adriana encountered several difficulties in the years after Eliza’s birth. People questioned the morality of her pregnancy at such a late age and her capacity to raise a child. She persisted, though, stressing that she had the drive, the affection, and the intelligence to properly nurture her kid. Adriana always responded to detractors with a calm assurance. “I am not afraid of death,” she previously stated in an interview, “but I am healthy and I think I will live long enough to help Eliza grow up.”
Adriana’s enthusiasm for life and her love of learning never diminished, even as a senior and new mother. She continued to write children’s books and taught part-time at Bucharest University as a lecturer. She frequently drew inspiration from her daughter for her writing, which enabled her to access the creative and loving aspects of parenthood. Adriana placed a high value on teaching Eliza to love learning, and her early years were full of stories and teachings.
Adriana is currently 83 years old and still works as a writer and teacher. Despite the physical restrictions that come with ageing, her mind is still bright, and she still has a deep passion for education and books. She has also taken steps to guarantee Eliza’s future, including drafting legal clauses for her daughter in the event that something were to happen to her.
Adriana’s strong affection and concern for Eliza are shown in this sense of duty, which demonstrates that she has always prioritised her daughter over her own needs despite the unusual circumstances of parenthood.
Now a teenager, Eliza has developed into a successful learner who is continuing her mother’s academic career. She is described as bright, inquisitive, and diligent; she does well in school and has a strong relationship with her mother.
Together, they make a special duo—a mother-daughter pair distinguished by their intense affection, common intellectual pursuits, and respect for one another rather than by social conventions.
Their tale is one of tenacity, of going against the grain, and of ageless love. Eliza’s achievements and promising future serve as a monument to the strength of will and dedication, while Adriana’s journey from a 66-year-old new mother to an 83-year-old writer and teacher continues to inspire. Adriana’s love for Eliza and her dedication to being the greatest mother she can be have remained unwavering despite the innumerable challenges she has faced.
