As Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, younger generations are leaving the country in record numbers, leaving behind an aging population struggling to survive on meager pensions and scarce resources. The situation has become dire for the elderly, who face food shortages, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of necessities.

A Nation in Crisis

Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis has sparked a mass exodus of working-age adults, leaving behind a growing population of elderly citizens fighting to survive on government pensions as low as $10 per month. The situation has become increasingly desperate as shortages of food, medicine, and other basic necessities plague the island nation.

Ramon Saul Sanchez, president of the Democracy Movement in Miami, describes the situation as “a nightmare in every direction.” He warns that Cuba is “about to collapse in a fatal way,” with elderly people facing particularly harsh conditions.

Demographic Shift Fuels the Problem

The problem is compounded by Cuba’s aging population, which is one of the oldest in Latin America. As birth rates plummet and young people flee, the number of elderly dependents for every 100 working-age adults is expected to reach 28 soon. This demographic shift has put immense pressure on the country’s already strained resources.

Record-Breaking Exodus

The exodus of Cubans to the United States has reached historic levels. U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended nearly 425,000 Cuban migrants in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, with an additional 200,000 arrested in fiscal year 2024 through July. These numbers far surpass previous large-scale migrations from Cuba. 

Daily Struggles for the Elderly 

For those left behind, daily survival has become a constant struggle. Many elderly Cubans rely on relatives abroad to send essential supplies, as the country’s healthcare system fails to provide even basic medications and equipment. Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat, co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate, reports that there is a “severe shortage of medication” due to the regime’s bankruptcy and lack of credit. 

Healthcare System in Shambles 

The healthcare crisis is particularly severe for the elderly, as nearly 95 percent of adults over 60 have at least one chronic condition. Hospitals face staff shortages, with medical students often left in charge of emergency services in Havana. 

Despite Cuba’s reputation for having a model healthcare system, the reality for most citizens is far different. High-quality treatment is reserved for medical tourists and high-ranking members of the communist party, while ordinary Cubans, especially the elderly, face a collapsed system with inadequate facilities and supplies.

Dependence on Foreign Support

Many retirees now depend on remittances from family members abroad to meet their basic needs. Those without such support typically end up homeless or in dire poverty. Even former supporters of the communist revolution find themselves abandoned by the system they once upheld.

Challenges in Providing Aid

 As the situation worsens, some Cubans abroad are working to send aid to their elderly relatives on the island. However, they face challenges in getting supplies past customs and into the hands of those who require them most. The Cuban government’s restrictions on aid distribution further complicate these efforts.

Long-Term Consequences

The crisis has led to a drop in life expectancy in Cuba, from 78.07 years between 2014 and 2016 to 77.7 years between 2018 and 2020. With limited resources and options, some elderly Cubans are even considering risky attempts to flee the country, despite their age and vulnerability.

As Cuba’s economic crisis deepens, the plight of its elderly population serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the country’s ongoing struggles. Without significant changes or increased support, the situation for Cuba’s oldest citizens is likely to worsen in the coming years.