The fear of aging, termed gerascophobia, grips many as they advance through life. This persistent worry about the aging process can lead to anxiety and impact one’s quality of life. Individuals aged 60 and above often associate old age with social pressures, health concerns, dependence, loneliness, and financial issues. At this stage, many seniors find themselves relying on pensions or reduced work opportunities.
To combat this fear, experts recommend older individuals accept aging as a natural process, focus on maintaining physical and mental health, seek personal growth and new experiences, and get psychological support if the fear becomes overwhelming.
For many seniors, turning 65 brings the benefits of government support programs, such as the "Tarjeta INAPAM," which provides discounts and benefits, along with the Pension del Bienestar. For 2025, the Mexican government announced major updates to the Bienestar pension program, which is set to increase the bimonthly payments from 6,000 pesos to 6,200 pesos.
This pension, which is granted universally to all Mexican nationals aged 65 and older, aims to improve the social protection of the elderly, ensuring they can meet their most pressing expenses, including groceries, medications, and household bills.
According to statements made by the Government of Mexico, "La Pensión para el Bienestar de las Personas Adultas Mayores es uno de los programas clave del Gobierno Federal para mejorar la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos de 65 años o más." This highlights the program's significance as part of broader social welfare efforts.
A key point of concern arises with the rise of fraudulent activities targeting seniors who receive benefits. The Secretaría del Bienestar has warned the public about misleading videos circulating online, portraying fake investment schemes aimed at exploiting elderly beneficiaries. They reiterated the point: "Los adultos mayores con Pensión de Bienestar reciben 6,200 pesos en su tarjeta del Banco del Bienestar."
Therefore, seniors must rely on official communications from the program.
Beyond the basic benefits provided, there are additional perks this year. Eligible beneficiaries, particularly women transitioning from the "Mujeres Bienestar" program, could see their pension payments double. Women aged 65 and older will now receive 6,200 pesos bimonthly instead of the 3,000 pesos they received previously.
The next installment for these beneficiaries is set for the period of March-April 2025, coinciding with the second payment of the year. The Government has reported, "El objetivo de este Programa para el Bienestar es mejorar la situación de protección social de toda la población adulta mayor."
This financial uplift is timely. The first deposit for the year was executed in January, but due to upcoming local elections scheduled for June 1, certain states will see beneficiaries receive their payments doubled. Seniors residing in Veracruz and Durango will receive the sum of 12,400 pesos, reflecting two bimonthly payments, when the March payment is issued due to routine electoral restrictions on new payments during election periods.
To collect these funds, all benefits are deposited directly onto the Tarjeta Bienestar, allowing users to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases directly at participating stores. While the initial pay date begins from January, several registration periods will be established throughout the year—starting this February—with additional dates planned for April, June, August, October, and December. Interested parties must attend to their eligibility and prepare necessary documentation such as identification, CURP, and proof of residency.
Importantly, any Mexican-born individual or naturalized citizen living abroad currently cannot partake in this program, as they do not meet the residency criteria stipulated by program guidelines. The Government's efforts are focused on ensuring financial security and dignity for all eligible citizens above 65 years old, evidencing their commitment to reducing poverty and inequality.
The Pension Bienestar not only offers financial support but also serves as recognition for lifetime contributions from the senior population. It plays a significant role as part of the Mexican government's broader strategy to safeguard the well-being of its elderly, ensuring they are not left behind.
For seniors and their families, staying informed through official channels persists as the best strategy for securing their benefits and participating fully in this pivotal program. The need to navigate carefully among potential scams and misleading information propels the importance of vigilance as they embrace their advancing age with support from the Pension Bienestar.