In Guatemala, approximately 65% of the elderly population lives in poverty. This group experiences persistent gaps in access to basic services and has limited access to employment and other productive opportunities, despite the newly created Economic Contribution Program for the Elderly. 

Additionally, extreme weather events have reversed gains in human capital, destroyed infrastructure, reduced agricultural output, intensified food insecurity, spread diseases and disrupted services. Guatemala’s poverty and inequality rates are among the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Poverty is rampant in Guatemala, but some organizations are tackling this problem and aiding those in need.

MAAN Association

This organization supports elderly adults who do not have access to shelters or protection from the environment. MAAN partners with nursing homes to give the elderly in poverty a safe place to live and access to care they may need. The self-supporting group offers custom-sized wheelchairs to seniors with mobility issues. It also connects the elderly with basic resources, such as medicine, medical consultations and donated food. 

MAAN also offers legal support to seniors who are experiencing elder abuse or neglect. This includes seniors whose children kick them out, mortgage their homes without consent or steal their pensions.

International Volunteer HQ

International Volunteer HQ is a volunteer-abroad company with a program focusing on elder care in Guatemala. It pairs international volunteers of all ages with elders, providing one-on-one recreation and socialization, house cleaning and food services, bolstering the physical and mental health of the elderly in poverty. By receiving inexpensive care from these volunteers, the elderly are more able to engage in productive activities. This can help lift them out of poverty. Additionally, this organization provides connections that most of these citizens have not experienced before, including exposure to other cultures and languages. 

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is addressing elderly poverty in Guatemala by helping senior citizens take control of their health. The organization leads a “take control of your health” program that aims at encouraging self-care among Guatemala’s elderly population living with noncommunicable diseases. This six-week educational program includes tips to control blood pressure and diabetes, complete more physical activity, eat smaller portions, stay hydrated, interpret food labeling and take medication on time. By giving these citizens access to better health care information, PAHO is alleviating the cycle of elderly poverty in Guatemala and enabling the elderly to participate in productive economic opportunities.

Looking Forward

In Guatemala, the MAAN Association, International Volunteer HQ and PAHO are working to alleviate elderly poverty by improving health care, fostering social connections and promoting economic participation. With increased focus on reducing elderly poverty, Guatemala can become a more resilient and productive country.

– Sara Agosto
Photo: Pixabay