Olga, a 70-year-old Cuban woman, recently shared a heart-wrenching story after receiving a donation from a visitor. Her words reveal the stark reality many elderly citizens face in Cuba.
“I didn’t eat yesterday, and today looks no different. I feel like I’m about to collapse,” she expresses on camera, her voice a blend of exhaustion and resignation.
The video, shared by Sembrando Semillas Latam on Instagram, highlights the struggles of Cuban seniors to raise awareness and gather support from the diaspora. In her testimony, Olga paints a grim picture of the chronic shortages that have become a daily struggle for countless retirees on the island.
“We haven’t had electricity for 15 days. My husband’s pension amounts to 1,500 pesos, roughly 3 dollars,” she explains. Adding to their woes, her home has been without water for three days, and she suffers from a leg condition for which she cannot afford treatment. “Do you know how much a pack of pills costs me? 600 pesos! Where am I supposed to find that money?”
Olga further points out a distressing trend affecting many: “A lot of elderly people are dying. Every day, three or four pass away.”
She closes the video with a message to those providing aid: “Thank you so much. May God help and protect you so you can continue to protect us, as we are struggling terribly.”
Widespread Crisis Crushing a Generation
The dire situation of inadequate pensions and hunger among Cuban seniors worsens with each passing month. Although the government raised the minimum pension to 4,000 Cuban pesos in September 2025, this amounts to less than 10 dollars per month on the informal exchange market, while basic sustenance requires at least 30,000 pesos monthly.
Worsening the situation is the ongoing energy crisis. By 2026, Cuba is experiencing deficits exceeding 2,000 MW, with some areas enduring power outages lasting over 20 hours daily. Since water supply relies on electric pumping, prolonged blackouts leave entire families without this essential resource.
In March 2026, the Cuban government openly admitted its inability to support all vulnerable citizens adequately.
Comments on Olga’s video echo widespread outrage and sorrow. One user who emigrated from Cuba remarked, “Where I live, people get depressed if someone speaks harshly to them. If they knew what we go through on the island, they’d appreciate what they have more.”
Another commented, “Every time I see an elderly person in such conditions, it breaks my heart and reminds me of my great-grandmother.”
In June 2026, a 70-year-old Cuban grandfather with a 4,000 pesos pension stated that this amount is insufficient to feed himself for the month.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuban Seniors
Why is the pension system in Cuba inadequate for seniors?
The pension system in Cuba provides minimal financial support, with the government offering pensions that equate to less than 10 USD per month on the informal exchange market. This amount is far from sufficient to cover basic needs, which require at least 30,000 pesos monthly.
How are power outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
Power outages, which can last over 20 hours in some areas, severely impact daily life in Cuba. They disrupt essential services like water supply, as electricity is needed for pumping, leaving many families without access to water.
What has been the government's response to the crisis?
In March 2026, the Cuban government acknowledged it lacks the resources to adequately support all vulnerable populations, revealing the extent of the ongoing crisis.