and staff for that? A state job called caregiver was held for some time, but the situation has changed a lot. The application proceedings last too long, they are difficult and a good percentage of them ends up in unsuccessful attempt. Three or four decades ago, the elderly aged 60 and over had access to special diets of milk and chicken. They also disappeared and, with them, the proper
food. The transportation of patients to the clinic or to the hospital is difficult, because the only available vehicles are horse-drawn. In addition to being uncomfortable for all of them, such vehicles are contraindicated for the elderly. And the bike-taxi has become unbearable with its high prices. So, could the ordinary old man really hope to live 120 years?
The situation
The situation could be alleviated if the state increases the old-age pensions, ensures fair price meals and appropriate footwear and clothing per age and per disease. It is also necessary to improve and to speed up the care services for the elderly by trained personnel, to guarantee the supply of medical products [ from medications to the socalled technical aids: wheelchairs, canes, walkers, folder beds, antibedsores, disposable diapers, ducks or wedges...], to provide them with transportation to health centers, and to facilitate the proceedings for collecting pensions and for carrying on other activities. Even if all this would be guaranteed with an Act of Protection to the Elderly, could the Cubans hope to live 120 years or more?
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