Guantanamo.- The lives, work, and example of retired men and women from the Empresa Constructora Integral Guantánamo* (Guantánamo Comprehensive Construction Company) were celebrated during a gathering organized by the company’s leadership to mark the International Day of Older Persons.
The event went beyond a formal observance, becoming a heartfelt celebration of fellowship. Participants exchanged anecdotes, laughter, and embraces—offering a vivid reminder that later life is characterized not only by experience and wisdom, but also by vitality and a desire to live fully.
The gathering of retirees from GUANCO, the company’s commercial name and a key contributor to socioeconomic development projects across Guantánamo Province, also highlighted the importance of safeguarding older persons’ rights and addressing the challenges they face.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss strategies aimed at improving retirees’ quality of life through active and healthy aging, while encouraging their continued participation in different areas of social life.
Yussit Borot Jiménez, director of the Guantánamo Comprehensive Construction Company, underscored the retirees’ commitment to their profession and their strong sense of belonging to the institution. These qualities are reflected in the productivity and efficiency of the nearly 80 retirees who have been rehired to perform various duties.
The United Nations designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons in 1990. The observance seeks to promote the rights of older adults, advocate for their care, health, and social security, and combat discrimination and mistreatment.
Niceto Pérez Promotes Care for Older Adults
In keeping with the observance, the municipality of Niceto Pérez, in Guantánamo Province, has implemented a range of measures to improve the well-being of its more than 500 older residents.
These efforts respond to the challenges posed by population aging, a trend affecting the municipality as well as the country as a whole.
Across the municipality’s six health zones, initiatives include lectures, neighborhood forums, educational talks, successful-aging programs, and awareness campaigns focused on the rights of older persons.
The programs also include the establishment of “Grandparents’ Clubs” and specialized care centers.
Doctors, nurses, social workers, local government representatives, instructors from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER), and community leaders have all contributed to these efforts.
This October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to treating older adults with greater care, tenderness, affection, and respect, while recognizing their invaluable contributions to families and society.
They embody experience, resilience, sound advice, hope, and life itself.
