El lado profundo de la vejez: Un estudio de la percepción del bienestar de los beneficiarios del programa de «Pensión para el Bienestar de las Personas Adultas Mayores» en los municipios de Xiutetelco y Puebla

Abstract

The article analyzes the effect that the federal program "Pension for the Welfare of the Elderly" (PWE), has had in people's living conditions and in their perception of well-being. Firstly, the definition of the concept of well-being is approached from objective and subjective, then a contextual analysis of the pension system in Mexico throughout the twenty-first century, and finally the quantitative and qualitative research of the well-being conditions of the elderly focused on a rural environment (municipality of Xiutetelco in the state of Puebla) and in an urban environment (municipality of Puebla). During this paper it will be shown that non-contributory pensions, through the Pension for the Welfare of the Elderly (PWE), have increased welfare among their beneficiaries, due to their ability to alleviate poverty and guarantee a minimum level of well-being for those who cannot access a contribution pension. The PWE has helped protect the most vulnerable groups in society, providing them with a basic livelihood that allows them to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter and health care. However, it is still far from being a sufficient program to serve the aging population in Mexico.