The popular consultation on the new Families Code that has been taking place in Cuba since February 1 transcends in the midst of a context that marks this century as that of population aging.
In our nation, 21.9% of people are 60 years old and older, a fact that means we are on the way to being the oldest country proportionally in the Latin American and Caribbean region by 2030.
The Families Code, that legal, humanistic and inclusive document that will be debated until April, is designed to also protect healthy aging, and in its articles it takes into account the areas established by the UN for the “Decade of Aging Healthy”.
• Change our way of thinking, feeling and acting regarding age and aging.
• That communities promote the skills of older people, which translates into the creation of friendly environments.-
• Offer quality and rehabilitated health care for the elderly.
• Provide access to long-term care.
The participation of older adults in society is provided for in the Families Code by protecting self-determination, preferences and equal opportunities in family life, an aspect that will promote their empowerment.
Several articles are aimed at older adults, including 4- Rights of people in the family, which proposes in subsections j) a harmonious and close family communication between grandmothers, grandfathers, other relatives, people who are emotionally close and girls, boys and adolescents.
k) self-determination, preferences, independence and equal opportunities in family life for older adults and those with disabilities.
Also article 8- Role of grandmothers, grandfathers, other relatives and emotionally close people.
1. The State recognizes the importance of grandmothers, grandfathers, other relatives and emotionally close people in the intergenerational transmission of traditions, culture, education, values, affections and care work.
2. This Code regulates the duties and rights that are established for the best performance of these relationships.
Article 47 means the duty to facilitate communication between relatives and measures to be taken for their insurance.
1. People who, for whatever reason or legal cause, are in charge of caring for minors, or older adults or people with disabilities, must guarantee the right to communication referred to in this Chapter.
2. In the event of repeated and unjustified opposition to its compliance, the measures are established to ensure the most convenient communication regime in accordance with the circumstances or, where appropriate, on its limitation or prohibition.
Another article, 422 Right to self-regulation of future protection. It stipulates that older adults have the right to configure the protection system that must govern when there are circumstances that make it difficult for them to exercise their legal capacity, based on their wishes and preferences, which prevail over those adopted by the judicial authority.
The Family Code makes visible the Cuban reality, defends and promotes affections. It is a document that deserves to be studied, that deserves to have it, because it is Cuba.
