The video of a 93-year-old man selling candies on the streets of Havana has become another example of the difficult situation faced by elderly people in Cuba.
A video shared by the content creators Los Fuera de Rosca, who sometimes dedicate themselves to interviewing and assisting people in precarious situations, brought us closer to the life of this nonagenarian who has to work to survive.
"I worked my whole life as a welder, a high-altitude welder in the Plaza de la Revolución... in the Havana tunnel," he recounted.
"The pension is not enough because they did not want to acknowledge all the jobs I had, I worked on all the major projects in Cuba," he said, adding that they asked him to find a witness for all the jobs he had held.
The elderly man also recounted that he has been assaulted several times despite his status as a street vendor.
"The last time they took 2 boxes of mint and the 200 pesos I had," he assured.
"The message I give to the youth is that… they should work and stop assaulting people, that they shouldn't follow the wrong path, that they should stop all this wickedness, that they should learn a trade and dedicate themselves to living through work," he added.
Finally, Los Fuera de Rosca gifted two thousand pesos to the elderly man to help him, which moved him greatly, at the end of a testimony that reflects the heartbreaking reality of elderly Cubans.
"Like on the street, whatever appears... after 93 years," lamented this emotionally charged 93-year-old Cuban.
Aging in Cuba
Old age should signify a fulfilling, dignified, and protected life, but in Cuba, it does not. Countless elderly people lack genuine support, and beyond homes or senior citizen centers, the daily lives of millions are reduced to mere survival.
Cuba is facing an unprecedented demographic crisis, with an effective population of 9,740,000 inhabitants, representing more than a 10% decrease compared to the year 2020.
However, a study by the renowned Cuban economist and demographer Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos estimated that by the end of 2024 there were 8,025,624 people living on the island, which is significantly lower than the official Cuban statistics.
The elderly population is the only demographic group that is growing in Cuba. Experts believe that this demographic trend is marked by a high incidence of poverty, severe social inequality, low coverage of social security, and a likely tendency towards the deterioration of family support networks.
According to official data, 39% of Cuban retirees receive the minimum pension amounting to 1,528 pesos per month, making them highly vulnerable to being added to the list of individuals at risk of extreme poverty.
Especially complicated is the situation of those who have no relatives abroad to send them dollars in order to access a balanced diet in the final years of their lives. They depend solely on what arrives at the stores, marked by rationing, shortages, and delays in the distribution of basic food items.
The uncontrolled inflation resulting from the failed Tarea Ordenamiento has made essential goods more expensive, while wages remain stagnant and the purchasing power of Cubans continues to deteriorate, exhausted by the long lines, blackouts, hunger, and despair.
People in their third age are also facing the crisis of medication shortages, along with challenges posed by the technical unavailability of medical equipment, lack of supplies, and consumables necessary for the proper functioning of hospitals and health centers.
Patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, mostly in their senior years, face serious difficulties in accessing their treatments, which puts their health at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Elderly People in Cuba
Why do the elderly in Cuba face such serious economic difficulties?
The economic situation of the elderly in Cuba is critical due to insufficient pensions and high inflation. Most retirees receive minimal pensions that do not even cover the basic basket of goods, while the prices of essential products are soaring. The lack of family support and limited access to remittances further exacerbate their situation.
How does the economic situation affect the health of elderly Cubans?
The elderly in Cuba face serious difficulties in accessing medical treatments and medications. The crisis of medicine shortages and the lack of adequate equipment in healthcare centers jeopardize their well-being, especially for those with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve the situation of retirees?
The Cuban government has announced increases in pensions, but these measures have not been sufficient to address the hardships faced by retirees. Despite the increases, the cost of living is too high, and access to essential goods remains severely restricted, forcing many elderly individuals to seek alternative means of livelihood.
What role do remittances play in the lives of elderly Cubans?
Remittances are a vital source of economic support for many elderly Cubans, as their pensions are insufficient to cover basic needs. However, not everyone has relatives abroad who can send them money, leaving many in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
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