A shelter for the homeless in Mérida is experiencing a notable increase in the number of people seeking refuge and food. La Casa Hogar para el Desamparado currently serves more than 30 individuals daily. This figure surpasses what the facility typically managed in previous periods.
Daily Operations and User Demographics
Liliana Aguilar Mendoza, a volunteer at the shelter, explained that the flow of people is higher than ever. Among those seeking assistance are elderly adults who come regularly. There are also transient individuals from other states of the republic or from other countries. These visitors typically stay at the shelter for two or three days at a time.
Shelter’s Urgent Needs for Donations
While the shelter has a guaranteed supply of food, it faces shortages in personal care items. Volunteers are requesting donations of underwear, sandals, shampoo, soap, and towels. They are also seeking people willing to donate their labor for facility maintenance. This includes electrical repairs and servicing fans.
A Focus on Dignity and Respect
The shelter’s goal is to make those who come feel respected and heard. Aguilar Mendoza explained that during meal times, they try to recreate a family dynamic. Volunteers serve portions directly to the users. This approach provides dignified treatment and personalized attention.
A Broader Crisis Among Yucatán’s Elderly
The rising demand at shelters like Casa Hogar para el Desamparado reflects a broader trend in Yucatán. The state is facing accelerated population aging. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), the number of adults aged 60 or older increased significantly. The figure rose from 196,474 in 2010 to 292,851 in 2020. This represents a 32.9 percent increase over that decade.
Yucatán’s Aging Population Outpacing National Averages
Currently, 14 percent of the state’s population is over 60. This proportion is already above the national average of 12.4 percent. The trend is continuing to rise each year. By 2030, it is estimated that more than 250,000 people will be in this age group. This positions Yucatán among the top four states with the highest percentage of elderly population. In Mérida, the situation is even more pronounced, with 14.3 percent of the population being older adults.
Limited Pension Coverage for Seniors
Despite this demographic shift, many older adults in Yucatán are aging without adequate financial support. A study by the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) reveals that only 35 percent of older adults have a pension from formal employment. Other sources indicate the figure is even lower, with only 30 percent having a pension or retirement. This means that a vast majority, approximately 65 percent, do not receive a pension. These individuals must rely on state support, family help, or community networks to survive.
High Poverty Rates Among Older Adults
The economic precariousness of this group is stark. More than 30 percent of people aged 65 or older in Yucatán live in poverty. This finding comes from a Coneval report on poverty and older adults in Mexico. This poverty is rooted in structural inequality and decades of labor and social exclusion.
Many Seniors Forced to Continue Working
The lack of a formal pension forces many to remain economically active. Three out of every ten older adults continue working. They do so not by choice but out of necessity. The federal government’s Bienestar pension provides 6,200 pesos every two months. Many experts and reports consider this amount insufficient to cover basic needs like medicine, medical care, and food. More than half of older adults depend exclusively on this aid.
High Costs of Geriatric Care
These seniors face expenses for medications, diapers, glucometers, wheelchairs, and private medical services. Researchers have noted that the cost of geriatric supplies is not regulated. There is a lack of real institutional support, especially in municipalities outside the capital. The situation is even more difficult for those with disabilities or those who are part of the sexual diversity community. These individuals often face family rejection, discrimination, and even physical aggression.
A Symptom of Systemic Failures
The increasing demand at the Casa Hogar para el Desamparado is a symptom of these systemic failures. When family and community support networks are insufficient, shelters become a last resort. Older adults with nowhere else to turn to these facilities.
The shelter’s volunteers work to provide not just food but a sense of dignity and respect. However, the shelter itself struggles with shortages of basic personal care items and maintenance. This highlights the precariousness of the support system available to this vulnerable population.
A Call for Stronger Public Policy
The situation of older adults in Yucatán represents a significant challenge for public policy. While programs like the Bienestar pension have expanded coverage, the amounts provided are often insufficient. They cannot guarantee a dignified life for all seniors. The state must address the structural inequalities that leave so many without access to formal pensions, adequate healthcare, and social support.
Contact +52 999-136-1368 or [email protected] for more information about donating to La Casa Hogar para el Desamparado.