Living Better & Longer

A new vision for aging in New Mexico

Aging and long-term service is one of New Mexico’s defining issues. What we do here today will affect every single citizen of New Mexico for generations.

Thriving in New Mexico

The benefits of a thriving senior population are overarching for our state:

  • Increased economic vitality
  • Savings in medical costs
  • Savings in lost productivity from seniors and family caregivers
  • Improved health outcomes across the board

Lifelong independence and good health

At the heart of the Aging and Long-Term Services Department’s mission is the belief that New Mexico’s older adults and adults with disabilities have the right to remain active participants in their communities, to age with respect and dignity, to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to have equal access to health care. The Department is a leader in developing programs and building partnerships that support lifelong independence and healthy aging.

What We Do

  • Support aging in place-providing services in homes and communities
  • Support caregivers
  • Address senior food insecurity
  • Encourage healthy and productive aging
  • Build and sustain capabilities to meet emerging needs and challenges

New Mexico is ranked 13th for percentage of population 65+

New Mexicans are aging in place. We are also seeing retirees move to New Mexico. These two trends combined result in a rapidly aging New Mexican population.

  • The 65+ population is projected to grow 122% in 2030 to 475,687 from 391,207 in 2020*.
  • From 2010 to 2020, New Mexico’s total population increased by 3%, while the population of people ages 65+ increased by 44%

*University of New Mexico, Geospatial Population Studies. 2020

** University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center. National Population Projections. 2018

University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Demographic Research Group

Increasing service capacity

We’re expanding and improving the programs that are already in place while creating a vision for a better future.

Welcome to the movement to transform aging

NEW MEXICO IS BLUE ZONES™ BOUND

New Mexico is dedicated to being a leader in fostering a thriving environment for aging well. The BLUE ZONES™ framework guides us in the development of public and private sector initiatives to increase the well-being of communities leading to greater stability, reduced healthcare costs and disparities, and increased resilience.

BLUE ZONES is a Trademark of Blue Zones, LLC,

SENIOR DAY

Thank you to everyone who attended and interacted with constituents. Seeing people actively participate in the democratic process is both moving and fills one with great pride.

JOIN US

February 22, 2024

1:00 pm

Facebook and YouTube

A condensed recording of the event will be broadcast for those who were unable to attend the live event on January 24. We look forward to sharing program highlights with you then.

Prioritize and deliver for New Mexicans

Focus on our strengths and resources

Wellness is about the synergy of lives working together. As part of the Senior Nutrition Program network, NM ALTSD and NM Grown helps older adults in our community by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation, and improving health. Our program also provides connections to home and community-based services that can support independence and overall well-being.

Statewide rollout of Caregiver Health Model

NEW MEXICARE

The New MexiCare Caregiver Health Model is a program to provide financial assistance and training to caregivers assisting friends or family members with daily activities due to physical or cognitive limitations. The program aims to allow older adults to thrive in their homes and communities and reduce nursing home placements and emergency department visits.

Residents in the following counties may be eligible for funding to pay caregivers for home care services. Our goal is to expand this program statewide.

CURRENT COUNTIES

  • Catron
  • De Baca County
  • Harding
  • Lincoln
  • McKinley
  • Otero
  • Rio Arriba
  • San Juan
  • San Miguel
  • Santa Fe
  • Sierra
  • Taos
  • Valencia

Advocates for quality of life

OMBUDSMAN | Advocating for New Mexico’s older and disabled adults.

Residents, their families, friends, and caregivers entrust long-term care and nursing facilities to provide safe environments that meet standards of care and provide a quality of life. If ever they fall short, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman offers an avenue for expressing and resolving concerns.

Our advocates visit assisted living facilities and nursing homes on a regular basis, providing valuable services that help residents by:

  • Advocating for rights
  • Investigating complaints
  • Exploring solutions
  • Ensuring quality of care

ONBUDSMAN | Advocates for quality of life

Thriving
in New Mexico

I need help. Where do I start? Call us. 1-800-432-2080

Need help? Click here to call us. 1-800-432-2080

Try Searching Click here to search.