Cuban seniors are very poorly nourished, and the regime proposes a set of foods to be gradually introduced to improve the quality of life for this population group.
The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, led the meeting of the government commission for attention to the Demographic Dynamics this Wednesday, which included representatives from state agencies, the National Assembly, and provincial authorities connected via videoconference.
During the meeting, the commission on productive and technological issues presented its proposal for nutritional supplements aimed at the elderly. These will not be available to everyone or immediately. The government warned that they plan to introduce them "gradually" in nursing homes and senior care facilities across the country.
The report from Cuban Television did not mention the products in question, but an image displayed on the screen revealed the names of the new supplements:
- Rice drink
- Hemolin Blood Syrup
- Turmeric cookie
- Symbiotic drink made from whey
The products were developed by the Institute of Research for the Food Industry (IIIA) and use national raw materials for their production.
However, social media has reacted with disbelief and criticism, especially regarding the controversial "Hemolin blood syrup", whose composition and purpose were not clarified during the television broadcast.
Other experiments by the regime to feed the elderly
The rice drink is used in other countries as a substitute for milk in vegan diets or for those with lactose intolerance, but in Cuba, it is not commonly seen on the table. Making it at home is not very economical either, as rice is sold at a very high price.
The whey was already used during the Special Period. It was a light drink called Lactofré, which had to be pasteurized, sweetened, and colored. Athletes consumed it during school snacks, and in some places, like the city of Cienfuegos, it was sold to the elderly.
In the Special Period, a multivitamin was also used, which was a tiny tablet that had to be consumed daily, but the regime is currently unable to produce that supplement.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its use is not common in Cuba. Recently, the official press claimed that the country is producing it for export to Italy.
This aromatic spice is very valuable and is used in cooking for various dishes, none of which are Cuban. However, it could be useful to mask the foul smell of aged flours that are used in Cuba for baked goods. In other words, turmeric could eliminate the classic cockroach-like aroma in cookies or bread.
Population aging in Cuba
In the same meeting, Marrero again referred to the population census, postponed for over a decade. The Prime Minister acknowledged that it is an “essential tool for the governance of the country” amid the current crisis, although he did not announce any date for its implementation.
Official sources mention a possible start in 2026, but the reality is that by 2025 the regime has not managed to train the necessary personnel to carry it out. This week, census rehearsals began in the municipality of Santa Cruz, in Mayabeque, which the Government presents as a preparatory phase.
The aging population in Cuba is an increasingly serious structural problem. Experts warn that, without a coherent development plan adapted to the demographic characteristics of the country, the economic and social crisis could deepen even further in the coming years.
The “rice drink”, the “turmeric cookies”, the "plantain croquettes", each month the government introduces a new invention, but none are sustainable, nor do they seem sufficient to address the root causes of the crisis in the country.
Hunger and extreme poverty are growing in Cuba, driving thousands of young people to emigrate and leaving an aging population amid scarcity and neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dietary Supplements for the Elderly in Cuba
What dietary supplements does the Cuban regime propose for the elderly?
The proposed supplements include a rice drink, a blood syrup called Hemolin, turmeric cookies, and a symbiotic drink made from whey. These products were developed by the Institute of Research for the Food Industry using domestic raw materials.
Why has the Hemolin blood syrup caused controversy?
The Hemolin blood syrup has generated controversy because its composition and purpose were not clarified during the television broadcast, which has sparked incredulity and criticism on social media.
How does the aging population affect the current situation in Cuba?
The aging population in Cuba is an increasingly serious structural problem. Without a development plan tailored to the country's demographic characteristics, the economic and social crisis could deepen even further in the coming years, particularly impacting seniors who face shortages of food and basic resources.
What role does turmeric play in new dietary supplements for the elderly?
Turmeric, used in the cookies proposed by the regime, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its usage is not common in Cuba, although the country has started to produce it for export to Italy. Additionally, it could be useful for masking the unpleasant odor of aged flours used in baked goods.
Filed under: