A video shared on Instagram by the profile @vismark_break_free44 shows the heartbreaking reality of a Cuban elderly woman who, after receiving her monthly pension of 1,500 pesos, sorrowfully asks, “What am I going to buy with this?”.
Moments later, a neighbor offers her a bottle of oil... right for a price of 1,500 pesos. There goes her entire month's pension.
The name of the lady is not known, but her story is the same as that of hundreds of thousands of retirees in Cuba. Elderly adults on the island survive amid shortages, blackouts, a lack of medications, food, and in many cases, face total abandonment.
The Cuban elderly have become the most vulnerable group in the economic crisis the country is facing. Alongside rampant inflation and a lack of basic services, loneliness and lack of protection have also increased.
Many have been left alone after their closest relatives emigrated and they do not have government support, relying on the charity of their neighbors and friends.
These people, who dedicated their working lives to the Cuban state, now live in extreme poverty. They survive without resources, without support, and with an old age where they are denied the right to live with dignity.
The abandoned elders in Cuba represent the most painful face of a system that used them and now forgets them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pensioners' Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of retirees in Cuba?
The situation of retirees in Cuba is critical, facing extreme shortages due to inflation and a lack of basic products. Many live in extreme poverty, relying on the charity of neighbors and lacking government support, which prevents them from enjoying a dignified old age.
Why are the elderly in Cuba so vulnerable to the economic crisis?
The elderly in Cuba are especially vulnerable due to the inadequacy of their pensions to cover basic needs in a context of rampant inflation. Furthermore, many have been left alone after the emigration of family members and do not have access to additional resources.
What alternatives do elderly Cubans have in light of the lack of resources?
Options for elderly Cubans are limited. Many rely on the charity of their neighbors, search for food in the trash, or collect raw materials to sell. However, these solutions are not enough to ensure a decent quality of life.
How has Cuban society reacted to the situation of retirees?
The Cuban society has reacted with anger and solidarity, using digital platforms to denounce the situation and organize aid initiatives. However, these actions do not replace the need for an effective response from the government.
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