Some days ago, Trabajadores made a wish: to sponsor two Casas de Abuelos: the Celia Sánchez Manduley and No. 1, located in the capital municipalities of Cerro and Plaza de la Revolución, respectively.
There we went, with our last four printed editions and the enthusiasm to exchange with them about their concerns and experiences, and to keep them a bit of company.
When the meeting ended in both places, which lasted for more than two hours, I don’t know who felt more grateful, them or us. The experience was rewarding. In addition to sharing a moment with grandparents, we were fortunate to hear numerous life stories filled with sacrifice, joy, learning and memories. Hearing them gave us feelings of admiration, gratitude and respect.
We met the combatant of the Fight Against Bandits, the pailleur, the innovator, the teacher Makarenko, the dancer who met Alicia Alonso; the engineer, the economist… Each dialogue allowed us to understand that the elderly are truly the living memory of our families and society.
Seeing them in those comfortable rooms, surrounded by love and attention, made us reflect again on the importance of caring for, respecting, and accompanying our elderly, not only because of their vulnerability, but also because of the valuable human legacy they represent.
How much more can we do for our seniors beyond the Senior Citizens’ Day that we celebrate on October 1? In these times, every detail counts. Their care should not be solely to families. The whole society and its different actors have a responsibility to protect them, accompany them and guarantee them a dignified life. The government, institutions, organizations, health professionals, and everyone in general must help to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for those who have reached old age and given so much to the nation. Caring for them is not just an act of solidarity, but a way to honor our history.
Acerca del autor
Graduada en Licenciatura en Periodismo en la Facultad de Filología, en la Universidad de La Habana en 1984. Edita la separata EconoMía y aborda además temas relacionados con la sociedad. Ha realizado Diplomados y Postgrados en el Instituto Internacional de Periodismo José Martí. En su blog Nieves.cu trata con regularidad asuntos vinculados a la familia y el medio ambiente.
