Age-Friendly Santa Fe
Age-Friendly Santa Fe is a City-led initiative to strengthen Santa Fe as a livable, inclusive, and connected community for residents of all ages.
Santa Fe is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, part of a global effort led by the World Health Organization to help communities adapt to longer lives and changing needs.
This initiative takes a lifespan approach to aging — recognizing that aging is not just about older adulthood, but about creating environments that support independence, safety, connection, and well-being at every stage of life.
City Commitment: Age-Friendly Resolution
In 2024, the Santa Fe City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-5, formally committing Santa Fe to become a more age-friendly community and joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
The resolution recognizes that longer lives and changing demographics require communities to rethink how housing, transportation, public spaces, services, and social opportunities support residents across the lifespan.
By adopting the resolution, the City committed to a structured improvement process that includes:
- Conducting a community needs assessment
- Engaging residents and community partners
- Developing a multi-year Age-Friendly Action Plan
- Implementing strategies to improve livability
- Monitoring progress and updating priorities over time
This resolution establishes Age-Friendly Santa Fe as an ongoing City initiative that integrates age- and ability-inclusive thinking into planning, policy, and community services.
Download the Age-Friendly Resolution here
The Age-Friendly Santa Fe Action Plan (2026–2029)
The Age-Friendly Santa Fe Action Plan is a three-year roadmap that aligns City systems, policies, and partnerships to better support residents across the lifespan.
The plan is grounded in five core values:
- Aging is a lifelong experience
- Inclusion and accessibility strengthen the entire community
- Coordination across departments improves impact
- Community voice informs decision-making
- Senior Services serves as a strategic City asset
Action Plan Goals
Guided by community input and data, the Action Plan focuses on six connected areas residents identified as most important:
- Transportation – improving safe, reliable access to healthcare, services, work, and community life.
- Housing – supporting affordability, accessibility, and the ability to age in place.
- Communication and Information – making services easier to find, understand, and navigate.
- Health and Wellness – strengthening access to prevention, care, and intergenerational learning.
- Social Engagement and Participation – expanding connection, belonging, civic life, and economic participation across ages.
- Safety and Public Spaces – improving the accessibility and usability of streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
The plan serves as a living framework. Implementation will evolve through continued evaluation and community engagement.
Why This Work Matters
Santa Fe’s population is older than the state and national averages, with 26% of residents age 65+.
At the same time, younger generations face rising housing costs, workforce shifts, and longer life expectancies.
Age-friendly planning benefits all generations. Walkable neighborhoods, accessible housing, reliable transportation, clear communication, and strong social networks improve quality of life for children, working adults, caregivers, and older residents alike.
Ongoing Implementation
The City of Santa Fe is committed to:
- Integrating age-friendly priorities into City planning and policy
- Strengthening coordination across departments
- Continuing community engagement and feedback
- Monitoring progress and adapting strategies over time
AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability
Age-Friendly Santa Fe is guided by the AARP Framework for Age-Friendly Communities, which is based on the World Health Organization’s global age-friendly model.
The framework identifies eight domains of livability — the everyday systems and environments that shape how people experience their community across the lifespan.
The 8 Domains of Livability
- Outdoor Spaces & Buildings - Safe, walkable streets, accessible parks, and public buildings that accommodate people of all abilities.
- Transportation - Reliable, affordable transportation options that allow residents to access work, healthcare, services, and community life.
- Housing - A range of affordable and accessible housing options that support aging in place and diverse household needs.
- Social Participation - Opportunities for residents to stay engaged through cultural, educational, and recreational activities.
- Respect & Social Inclusion - A community culture that values older adults and promotes intergenerational connection.
- Civic Participation & Employment - Opportunities to work, volunteer, and contribute to community decision-making across the lifespan.
- Communication & Information - Clear, accessible communication about services, programs, and community resources.
- Community Support & Health Services - Access to health care, prevention services, caregiving supports, and community-based assistance.
Together, these domains provide a practical structure for evaluating strengths, identifying gaps, and guiding action.
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
Santa Fe is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, the official U.S. affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
Membership reflects a public commitment to:
- Engage residents in identifying priorities
- Assess community conditions using data and lived experience
- Develop a multi-year action plan
- Implement strategies and monitor progress
- Report on outcomes and continuously improve
Participation in the Network provides Santa Fe with:
- Technical guidance and planning tools
- Access to peer communities across the country
- A structured improvement process
- National recognition of our commitment
Age-friendliness is not a one-time designation. It is an ongoing practice embedded in planning, policy, and service delivery.
For questions or to get involved, email agefriendly@santafenm.gov.