By the end of 2021, the 60s-and older group accounted for 21.6% of the Cuban population, and it is expected that proportion will exceed 30% percent by 2030, said the deputy chief of the National Bureau of Statistics and Information Juan Carlos Alfonso, who is attending the ECLAC´s 5th Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons.

Currently, the only population group that is increasing in size in Cuba is and will be the elderly, particularly those aging 75 and older, Alfonso explained.

In this regard, the Cuban government recognizes that aging is an important challenge for society, which means readjusting, modifying and updating policies for the enjoyment of an old age without discrimination and with dignity.

Alfonso stressed the Family Code, passed in September 2022, includes the rights, duties and protection mechanisms for people aged over 60.

In his speech, Alfonso also referred to the way in which Cuba faced great challenges generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, where -as in most countries- the elderly were most vulnerable.

Despite the hostile US blockade imposed for over 60 years, Cuba has managed to develop four homegrown vaccine candidates and manifold clinical trials on new drugs to fight off the pandemic, he said.

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