A member of the Cuban diaspora recently visited her 105-year-old great-grandmother in Cuba, capturing their heartfelt reunion in a TikTok video shared on May 14. The elderly woman's clarity and humor deeply moved thousands of viewers.
The creator of the video, known as DayiAshley (@dayanisashley97), added a heartfelt caption: "At 105 years old!!! My great-grandmother still surprises us and cares for us as always."
In the 53-second clip, the great-grandmother is seen seated on the edge of a bed, dressed in a brightly colored floral robe, with her white curly hair, in a modest room adorned with pink sheets, a small blue fan on the nightstand, and a container of food by her side.
Far from being detached during the visit, the elderly woman actively inquires about her family's well-being and whether they have enough to eat: "Are you all okay? Does anyone want food? If not, I do," she asks with remarkable mental clarity.
DayiAshley encapsulated the sentiment in her post: "How wonderful to have such a lovely elder in the family."
This reunion is part of a growing trend among Cubans living abroad, who share their visits to elderly family members on social media, evoking intense emotional reactions within the diaspora community.
Earlier this year, another viral video depicted a 105-year-old Cuban woman reuniting with her 95-year-old brother. In July 2025, a 104-year-old Cuban grandmother celebrated her birthday with mariachi music, cake, and beer, a video that also gained significant attention online.
The Aging Population in Cuba: A Growing Challenge
Cuba is among the most aged countries in Latin America, with over 3,000 centenarians recorded in 2024, of which 82.6% were women, according to Prensa Latina.
A study conducted between 2005 and 2018 identified 1,488 centenarians on the island, equating to 13.24 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a higher concentration in the eastern provinces of Las Tunas, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba.
The average life expectancy in Cuba is around 79 years. However, the massive emigration of young people and low birth rates have accelerated demographic aging, straining the island's health care and social protection systems.
DayiAshley’s great-grandmother, with her vibrant personality and genuine care for her family, embodies Cuban longevity, which continues to amaze despite the country's hardships.
Understanding Cuban Longevity and Social Challenges
What is the current life expectancy in Cuba?
The life expectancy in Cuba is approximately 79 years.
How significant is the aging population in Cuba?
Cuba has one of the highest aging populations in Latin America, with more than 3,000 centenarians reported in 2024.
What factors are contributing to Cuba's demographic aging?
The demographic aging in Cuba is primarily due to mass emigration of the young population and low birth rates.