Communist Cuba's Elderly Struggle to Survive on $10 Pensions

The elderly population in Cuba is grappling with a dire economic situation, with a monthly pension of only $10 provided by the communist regime. Coupled with a critical shortage of essential supplies, the situation is causing a surge in the number of Cubans fleeing the country.

Severe Shortages and Protests

Shortages of food, power, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals have triggered continuous protests throughout the year and have been a significant factor in the exodus of working-age adults from Cuba. The impact on the country's retirees has been devastating. Ramon Saul Sanchez, a long-standing activist against the Cuban regime and president of the Democracy Movement in Miami, described the situation as a nightmare. He highlighted the inhumane conditions the elderly are forced to endure due to the economic deterioration and the regime's lack of interest in providing assistance.

Demographic Challenges

Cuba has one of the highest proportions of citizens aged over 65 in Latin America. A report by the Cuban Research Institute and Florida International University noted that the number of elderly dependents per 100 working-age adults could soon reach 28 due to the significant increase in migrant outflows that began in 2022. Data from Customs and Border Protection reveals that nearly 425,000 illegal immigrant Cubans were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents during fiscal years 2022 and 2023, with an additional 200,000 arrested in fiscal year 2024 through July. These figures surpass previous large-scale migrations from Cuba to the United States.

Declining Birth Rates

The country's birth rate has also been falling for decades, contributing to the acceleration of Cuba’s aging population. The trend became noticeable in the 1980s, but Cuba has been below replacement birth rates since 1978, according to an analysis published in the journal JSTOR. As of 2024, Cuba’s birth rate stands at just over nine per thousand.

Struggles of the Elderly

The elderly in Cuba face daily survival challenges due to the lack of food and medical supplies. Living on a government pension of as little as $10 a month, many who are too old to work often lack proper medication and nutrition. The country’s communist party shows little interest in assisting its most vulnerable citizens, many of whom are former supporters of Castro’s revolution or even worked for the communist party.

Helping Hands

Sanchez, who is of retirement age himself, has a close friend to whom he has sent medical equipment and other supplies on many occasions. He described the dire situation his friend faced when he broke his leg and had to rely on used medical supplies. Sanchez had to send everything needed for the surgery to be performed. Sanchez's organization helps hundreds of Cubans in the same situation. Some have families in the United States that can ship supplies, but others are trapped and have no lifeline at all.

Healthcare Crisis

Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, author, co-founder, and spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate, confirmed the severe shortage of medication in Cuba due to the regime's bankruptcy. He pointed out that the elderly are now paying a disproportionate price for years of economic mismanagement by Cuba’s regime, especially in healthcare. In response to the mounting crisis, Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel fired economic minister Alejandro Gil Fernández in March. This decision is underscored by multiple reports of health care worker and water shortages at Cuban hospitals.

Bottom Line

The plight of Cuba's elderly population is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of economic mismanagement and political indifference. With the country's seniors struggling to survive on meager pensions and facing severe shortages of essential supplies, the situation is a humanitarian crisis. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.