Villages of Santa Fe
Ensuring the health of our older generation
Ensuring the health of our older generation is of utmost importance. Exercise plays a crucial role in preventing falls, a strategy that can significantly enhance the health and well-being of our older adults. At Villages of Santa Fe, we understand the need for accessibility, so we offer exercise and lifestyle programs for older adults through convenient online classes and an extensive video library.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and independence is all about movement. Our nine weekly sessions focus on balance, flexibility, strength, and mental awareness. Led by experienced instructors who are also older adults, these classes are tailored to the specific needs of our older participants. Whether you need stretching, a calm mind, or a boost of strength, our instructors, Judith, Maria, kk, and Sharon, are here to guide you.
Great teachers offer a variety of classes to all levels of fitness. It keeps me motivated to exercise. Kathleen R.
Our strategies at Villages are not just effective; they are life-changing. By combining paid and free classes, we ensure that even adults on a fixed income can participate. The results speak for themselves—our participants report improved balance, fitness, and attitude. In other words, they are healthy, resilient, and engaged adults.
"I commonly refer those individuals who are struggling with social isolation and those who want to improve or maintain physical health. I have specific patients that have improved their balance and strength from the exercise classes. This has improved their overall quality of life by decreasing their fall risk and encouraging independence." — Ann Garcia, MD, CHRISTUS St. Vincent's Geriatric Medicine
We want to build a healthy community. By 2030, 32.5% of New Mexico's population will be 60 or older. Our programs serve older adults of all income levels without geographic constraints. Preventing falls is a lifesaving strategy for older adults that significantly impacts health, well-being, and independent living.
Since beginning online exercise classes in April 2020, our participants have logged over 50,000 attendances; 65.1% are over 65, and 59% live in Santa Fe or Santa Fe County. Our strength is our delivery method - a simple online platform.
With the help of Santa Fe Community Foundation and Las Campanas Community Fund, Villages is an excellent resource for older adults wanting to stay healthy and active and open to our entire New Mexico community and beyond.
"These classes have become a big part of my life. Thank you so very much for them and the instructors. Their impact has been huge in a very positive way!" — Lynn G.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited local nonprofits to submit stories related to our March topic of Senior Services.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Last year, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opened Carved Stories by Hopi artist Mavasta Honyouti. Featuring all sixteen low-relief carvings from the Coming Home series — created in tandem with Honyouti’s children’s book Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story — the exhibit recounts his grandfather Clyde Honyouti’s experience at an off-reservation federal boarding school. This Indigenous-led project offers a powerful and visually compelling reflection on Hopi life, culture, and history. As Brian Vallo notes, “Carved Stories… is both powerful and beautiful.”
Kha'p'o Community School
With support from the Native American Advised Fund, sixth-grade students at Kha’p’o Community School embarked on Our Voice, Our Stories — a year-long documentary project blending traditional Tewa arts and modern digital storytelling. Through pottery, weaving, sewing, and film, students explored their cultural identity and celebrated their voices as young Tewa people.
Truchas Services Center Preschool
The Truchas Services Center Preschool serves children from all the surrounding communities, providing supervision and appropriate curriculum for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The mission of the Pre-School program is "Children learning through playing".
