A post on Facebook by user Alexis Torriente, shared within the "Barrio de Mulgoba" group, brings to light the harsh reality facing countless Cuban families: the neglect of vulnerable individuals amidst the ongoing crisis.
The account highlights the plight of an elderly, ill woman who, despite her condition, must fend for herself and her son with minimal institutional support, battling severe shortages with whatever food she can scrounge together.
“All I had to eat was a little bit of beans,” the woman recounts in a video accompanying the post, underscoring the extreme hardship she endures daily.
Navigating Daily Hardships
The daily struggle becomes even more heartrending as she describes her routine: improvising with whatever she can find, trying to make do with a bit of garlic or any ingredient that comes her way, clinging to the hope that at least something warm will stave off hunger. When available, rice becomes their staple sustenance.
The Absence of Social Support
Beyond the scarcity, her story uncovers a deeper issue: the lack of response from social services. The elderly woman explains that she reached out to her assigned social worker last year, but has yet to receive any assistance.
“She told me, ‘I'll let you know; it takes time to process,’” she recalls. The young man filming the video sums up the despair felt by many: “How long does it take, until you die?” Carmen's reply is stark: “When I die, I won't need it anymore.”
A Call to Action
The author of the post, clearly outraged, questions the insensitivity and inaction of local authorities. He directly criticizes social workers and institutions in the Boyeros municipality, pointing out that these situations are known in the communities but remain unaddressed.
He also exposes irregularities in food services meant for vulnerable individuals, alleging that aid has turned into a “business,” leaving those in dire need abandoned.
The testimony not only highlights this mother's individual struggle, who also suffers from health issues like a cerebral ischemia, but it also reflects a broader crisis: a society where increasingly more elderly people rely on neighborly solidarity to survive.
“We, the people, can save ourselves if we learn to look out for one another,” writes Torriente, urging empathy and collective action in response to a reality that has become all too common.
Ongoing Desperation
Meanwhile, the elderly woman continues to wait—not for a permanent solution, but for something as fundamental as a meal.
According to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty, and eight out of ten individuals over 61 skip meals due to financial constraints or shortages.
By 2026, 80% of Cubans believe the current crisis is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
Torriente concludes his post with a clear denunciation: "A government that starves its people should be held accountable, but unfortunately, there is no justice in Cuba. Only the people can save the people."
Understanding Cuba's Social Crisis
What challenges do elderly Cubans face in the current crisis?
Elderly Cubans face extreme poverty, lack of institutional support, and food shortages, forcing them to rely on community aid.
How do social services in Cuba respond to vulnerable populations?
Social services often fail to provide timely assistance, leaving many elderly individuals without necessary support for extended periods.