PHOTO ESSAYS: Cuba - Embargo and the Elderly

As the U.S. commercial and financial embargo against Cuba continues into its 40th year, it is clear that the weak, less economically well-off segments of society such as the elderly is bearing its brunt. The once optimistic generation of the Cuban Revolution that held dreams of cradle-to-grave socialism now sees that no country is an island.

Gains made by socialized health care have been slowly eroding under a rapidly aging populace, a weak economy and the embargo. The country boasts a life expectancy that rivals that of advanced economies but it is the eroding quality of life that worries health officials. Elderly are now regularly seen begging, peddling and scavenging, embarrassing sights largely unseen before the dollar was legalized in the early 1990's. Several pictures from the essay were made at centers of care - a very rare view since health officials are wary of any press attention that may hurt its international reputation.

Officials have adopted some block-by-block strategies to help, such as neighborhood associations and clinic. As more Cubans reach retirement age, families are counted on to care for their own to keep costs down. In order to support care-givers, the elderly are encouraged to participate in community-building gatherings called "circulos de abuelos", or "grandparent circles", which can provide free meals, entertainment and medical assistance.

International aid organizations, academics and politicians from throughout the political spectrum agree that the lack of full relations with the United States impedes and complicates access to modern medicines, medical information, food and health resources normally available on the international market. The World Health Organization says that permits, restrictions and lack of credit transactions make it impossible for Cuba to purchase equipment, medicines and laboratory materials produced by the United States or covered by United States patents.

The effects of this are shown on the face of the elderly in Cuba. It is a situation likely to worsen, since Cuba has one of the oldest populations in Latin America. Experts predict that by 2020 there will be more elderly people than children in the country, posing an even greater risk to quality of life for seniors.