The image of a 78-year-old man cleaning the area around the Sauto Theater in Matanzas has sparked intense debate on social media regarding the reality of elderly people in Cuba.
The case was shared on Facebook by Luis Edel Andino Chávez, who identified the worker as Nolberto González Macías and described him as “an excellent person and exemplary worker.”
In her post, she emphasized that, despite her age, she maintains pride and dedication in her work, contributing to the care of one of the most emblematic cultural institutions in Matanzas and the country.
The Sauto Theatre is regarded as one of the architectural gems of Cuba, and according to the author of the post, González Macías deserves credit for keeping its surroundings clean.
"I am grateful to have such colleagues and friends," he wrote.
In the comments, conflicting views emerged. María Elena Ortiz Arango recalled knowing him since the 1980s and reminisced about his work at a candy store on Ayuntamiento Street.
Adis Meriño expressed that it is a pride to reach that age while staying active, whereas María Ángeles Rodríguez considered it a sad life and felt that one should be resting.
There were also critical opinions. Riskier García stated that he sees not pride but a man who has worked his entire life and has no choice but to keep doing it.
Ydalmis Ramírez stated that she is of an age to rest and enjoy her life.
Javier Calzadilla Tejera indicated that in Spain he could perform that job under better conditions.
Pipo Sanabria questioned the situation by stating that at that age, one should have guaranteed security in life.
Nélida Mendizábal stated that she should be at home living on a pension, but that in Cuba that is impossible.
The exchange reflected a broader discussion about retirement conditions and the economic situation of many elderly individuals on the island, where it is not uncommon to see older people engaged in physical work to supplement their income.
While some emphasize the culture of work and personal dignity, others interpret the scene as evidence of the difficulties faced by retirees in the current Cuban economic context.
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