New Mexico has a rich and ancient cultural history. The New Mexico timeline begins with human inhabitants approx. 25,000 years BC. Shortly after the time of Christ the Anasazi settled here. In 1532, Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca led the first European expedition into the region. In 1846 the United States declared war on Mexico, taking possession without firing a shot.
This enduring union of cultures has resulted New Mexico having the highest percentage of Hispanic and Latino elders in the United States at 28.6%. It also has the second largest percent of American Indians over 65 years of age. Projections are for the elderly Caucasian population to grow by 93 %, Hispanic elderly by 555%, African American by 160%, and American Indians by 231%.
Geriatric Psychiatry is one of the most under resourced subspecialties in New Mexico. The Fellowship was started in 2001 to train specialists who would not only directly meet community needs but also educate other medical providers in elder care. Our goal is to maximize quality of life, to maintain independence and function, and to provide culturally-sensitive healthcare to elderly New Mexicans.
