200K Seniors Abandoned in Quintana Roo Without Care

Quintana Roo, Mexico — More than 220,000 elderly residents in Quintana Roo are living in abandonment due to the absence of a comprehensive care center for senior citizens, according to Horacio Reyes García, president of the State Federation for the Human Development of Older Adults (Fedham).

A Crisis of Neglect

Reyes García lamented that state and municipal authorities have failed to prioritize the needs of the elderly, leaving many without adequate support. The municipal System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF) currently provides only 20 beds for sheltering abandoned seniors, while private care facilities charge fees that are unaffordable for most.

"Despite repeated requests, no administration has repurposed the old Cancún General Hospital in Supermanzana 64 into a care center for the elderly," Reyes García stated. "Unfortunately, older adults are only seen as voters or recipients of food handouts—no one has listened to us."

Limited Support from Existing Programs

Fedham currently represents 840 seniors aged 60 to 94, many of whom hold membership cards from the National Institute for Older Adults (Inapam). However, Reyes García noted that these cards primarily offer discounts on transportation and restaurant meals rather than meaningful assistance.

While seniors receive a bimonthly stipend of 6,200 pesos through the federal "Bienestar" program, this does not address broader issues such as healthcare access or legal protections against exploitation by family members seeking to seize their properties.

Employment Barriers for Seniors

Despite Inapam’s "Productive Linkage Program," which promotes paid employment and volunteer opportunities for seniors, Reyes García criticized its lack of impact in Quintana Roo.

"Inapam does not support us, and businesses refuse to hire older adults for tasks like packaging goods because they see it as an administrative burden," he said.

The program, which offers potential monthly earnings between 6,000 and 19,000 pesos, requires applicants to meet several criteria:

• Be 60 or older.
• Hold a valid Inapam ID.
• Provide official photo identification (e.g., voter ID, passport, driver’s license).
• Complete a social inclusion application and interview with a program promoter.

Interested individuals must visit the Bienestar offices at the intersection of Avenidas Venustiano Carranza and Nápoles in Chetumal or contact María del Carmen Navarro Velázquez at [email protected] or 983 833 4176.

A Call for Systemic Change

Reyes García emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect and support Quintana Roo’s aging population. "Until authorities recognize the value of older adults beyond elections, this neglect will continue," he said.

The Fedham continues to advocate for better living conditions, healthcare access, and employment opportunities for the state’s elderly residents.