County-funded senior-needs assessment finds growing 75+ population and urges coordinated services, targeted outreach

The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners heard a presentation on Oct. 14 of a county-funded senior-needs assessment conducted by the University of New Mexico Center for Applied Research and Analysis (CARA). The researchers said the county’s senior population growth is concentrated among people aged 75 and older and recommended coordinated services and targeted outreach to meet gaps in health, home maintenance and caregiver support.

Key findings CARA researchers told commissioners the county’s population aged 75+ is the segment showing most growth and that this group will drive demand for services that support daily living, health care access and mobility. Survey work — 1,192 returns across the county — showed seniors prioritize access to health care and help maintaining day‑to‑day health, fitness and hygiene. Other priorities included food security, housing maintenance, safety and social opportunities. Services such as health screenings, fitness and housekeeping were among the most frequently requested.

Vulnerable groups and geography The report identified seven vulnerability dimensions — economic disadvantage, disability, poor health, language/cultural barriers, limited social support, caregiving responsibilities and grandparent caregivers — and found these groups experience worse health and higher service needs. The consultant’s mapping showed a current imbalance in service locations: the Northern region of the county has many senior centers per capita while large portions of the South have fewer county-provided senior center services; the South is expected to receive a new senior center (Cerritos) later in the year.

Recommendations CARA recommended the county (1) identify and prioritize the specific senior needs it will address over a 10-year horizon, (2) leverage existing NGOs, senior centers and county resources rather than duplicating services, and (3) consider a hub-and-spoke model where the county acts as a hub for information, screening and referrals. The report suggested that if the county prioritizes popular center-based services (fitness, recreation) it should invest in centers; if the priority is homebound or acute needs the county should expand in‑home meal delivery, medical transport and personal-care options.

Commissioner input and next steps Commissioners emphasized intergenerational programming, digital literacy and community-based outreach. Several asked for more granular geographic analysis for small communities, and CARA answered that detailed demographic sub-county analyses are possible but limited by American Community Survey margins of error for small areas; CARA said more targeted population counts or drive-time analyses could be done if the board directs it. The board did not vote; staff said the report will inform next steps, potential grant applications, and a proposed 10‑year strategic plan for senior services.

Ending Commissioners praised the report and asked county staff to return with prioritized options for program investments and coordination with community partners.