Important Facts for Percentage of the Population Age 65 and Over
Indicator Important Facts Report Options
Definition
The percentage of the population that is older adults.
Numerator
Number of older adults (age 65 and over) in the population.
Denominator
Total number of persons in the population.
Why Is This Important?
The age distribution of a population is related to several health measures, such as the prevalence of chronic disease and the demand for family planning and immunization services. Younger populations, that is, those with a higher percentage of children and young adults, have different needs for health services than those with older populations. Without increases to the health, long-term care, and support systems for older populations in New Mexico, this dramatic shift in New Mexico's demographics may endanger the health of our older adults and especially those older adults living in rural communities.
Other Objectives
New Mexico Community Health Status Indicator (CHSI)
How Do We Compare With the U.S.?
The percentage of the population that is age 65 or older is growing at a faster rate in New Mexico than in the U.S., overall.