This project is deeply personal to me because I have family in Puerto Rico and have witnessed firsthand the challenges the elderly population faces. My great-grandmother, who unfortunately passed away this winter break, was one of many residents who were mistreated and neglected by the system. It was heartbreaking to see one of the people that raised me deteriorate little by little and have no one to help but our family. Unfortunately, this issue is often ignored until it is too late, but it is inevitable; aging is a universal experience. We will all reach this stage of life, and the way we treat the elderly population today sets an example for how future generations will be treated. 

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As I conducted research on this topic, I came across statistically significant reports of abuse and lack of awareness surrounding this issue, and it made me think that this isn’t just happening in Puerto Rico but all over the world. This made me realize that this issue requires more than just policy changes, but a spotlight on our culture, as this will help create a more supportive and engaging environment for the elderly population. I hope to contribute to a solution by advocating for better living conditions.