Justina Montes de Oca has reached the remarkable age of 101, spending the last 18 years of her life in a nursing home in San Luis, Santiago de Cuba. Her story was shared this Tuesday by the Santiago de Cuba Provincial Health Directorate on their Facebook profile, highlighting that the centenarian, a resident of the Clodomira Acosta Nursing Home, attributes her longevity to living joyfully.
"I don't like being bitter. Why would I? Life is pure love and should be enjoyed," remarked the descendant of mambises, who, according to the home's staff, has left a profound impact on everyone she meets. Caregivers note that at 101 years old, Justina "continues to dance, sing, and recite poems with boundless energy."
The Harsh Reality for Many Elderly in Cuba
Unfortunately, not all elderly people in Cuba are as fortunate. Many must work to survive and sometimes live in dire conditions. Recently, an elderly man was seen sleeping outdoors in Potrerillo, Cienfuegos province, while waiting for a promised home.
Facebook user Yamil Cuéllar raised awareness about the plight of Leonardo Pérez Valdés, also known as Menéndez, who suffers from cerebral ischemias that have nearly left him bedridden.
In April, Facebook user Irma Broek exposed the dire situation of Juan, an elderly Cuban living in La Gloria, Campechuela, Granma. According to the report, Juan was living in inhumane conditions, sleeping on palm fronds in a shack on the verge of collapse, with a dirt floor and lacking basic furniture and utensils.