DAY CENTER AT THE VICTORIA BARRACKS FOR RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS IN PARAGUAY AS AN ACTIVE AGING STRATEGY

Abstract

Introduction: Retirement from active military service entails a transition that can affect the identity, social ties, and well-being of retired officers—a group rarely served by specific programs for older adults. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of establishing a day center at the Cuartel de la Victoria as a strategy for active aging and social reintegration for retired military officers in Paraguay, within the regulatory framework of Law No. 7633/2026. Materials and Methods: Purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation was employed, involving twelve retired military officers from the 1978 "Domingo Francisco Sánchez" class. Data collection utilized in-depth interviews, focus groups, and direct observation, along with their respective instruments. The categories analyzed included the social, recreational, and emotional needs of retired officers; the services and activities of the day center; social, emotional, and institutional benefits; and the proposal's feasibility and level of acceptance. Results: The study reveals that retired officers experience a loss of routine, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging; they value a comprehensive day center combining health, recreation, historical memory, and pension-related guidance; and they recognize the Cuartel de la Victoria as a space of significant symbolic and identity-related value. Conclusion: The research concludes that the proposal is perceived as feasible and desirable, provided it is established as a long-term institutional policy with backing, a budget, and sustained planning; furthermore, its implementation would contribute to the well-being of retired officers and the social legitimacy of the Armed Forces.