Elderly in Crisis: A Lifeline in Old Havana
In Old Havana, elderly citizens face severe economic hardship worsened by US policies. Church meals serve as a critical lifeline for many, including 84-year-old Carmen Casado. The country faces an aging population crisis, exacerbated by youth emigration and dwindling state resources.
On a sunny afternoon in Old Havana, a group of elderly residents gathered at the Church of the Holy Spirit for a communal meal. This event has become a lifeline for nearly 50 senior citizens who rely on the church's generosity in the face of Cuba's ongoing economic crisis.
Among them was Carmen Casado, an 84-year-old retired chemical engineer who receives a monthly pension of only USD 4 at the informal exchange rate. Having no family support, these church meals offer more than just food; they provide a source of community and relief from her daily struggles.
The economic challenges for the elderly in Cuba have intensified following an oil embargo imposed by the Trump administration. Many seniors, who once contributed to the country's socialist legacy, now find themselves queuing for basic sustenance like bread and rice or turning to private elder care services due to the government's diminishing resources.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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