The “Caramarca” Elderly Care Center is located southwest of the city of Cochabamba, specifically in the community of Caramarca, municipality of Sipe Sipe, at a distance of 21.5 km. It is directly administered by the Departmental Service of Social Policies (S.E.D.E.P.O.S). 

This is a public institution of the department of Cochabamba that administers several centers with vulnerable populations whose rights are protected by Bolivian state laws. However, this does not mean that there are no needs, especially during times of austerity in the country, such as these ones. There, 27 older adults, with different underlying medical conditions, are living. The consumption of fresh fruit is important for them because the high content in fiber provides benefits and aids digestion. For instance, pomegranates provide great benefits to people suffering from anaemia, among others.

In the 2021 administration period, an invitation was sent by the Direction to participate in a meeting regarding urban garden projects, through which several training meetings were held, and good results were achieved. 

The following year, beginning in the 2022 administration period, Mr Miller visited the Center to propose the planting of fruit trees, which were accepted after the signing of a mutual collaboration agreement that is renewed every year. In this way, at the beginning of each year, his visit to the institution is expected two or three times: the first to verify the condition of the plants, then on the day of the delivery of the new saplings, and on the planting day, as well as for pruning the previous plants; afterward, the registration of each guardian of the planted saplings takes place with his presence and the support of the staff.

Through experience, it was observed that it was very important to take into account the climate of the place, since the cold weather generally kills avocado, cherimoya, and pacay plants, although some plants remain alive, requiring considerable care from the older adults during the winter season.

Figure 1: Guests of the Center, while taking care of the plants. Author 2026.