For more than two decades, the National Institute of Aging (Instituto Nacional de la Senedtud - Insen), created by presidential decree on August 22, 1979, was devoted to protect and care for persons aged 60 and over. Its activities were mainly focused at medical care. However, the needs of our elders were growing so, that on January 17, 2002, also by presidential decree, the Institute became part of the sector headed by the Secretariat of Social Development and changed its name to the National Institute of Adult Persons Living in Full (Instituto Nacional de Adultos en Plenitud - INAPLEN)

There is a phenomenon that forces the need for more changes: the demographic curve which is a warning on the growth of our target population. In Mexico, 799 people reach every day the age of 60 and according to the National Population Council, by 2005 one of every four persons will be an elder. This situation requires a restructure of care policies

On June 25, 2002 the Law on the Rights of Older Persons was published, and as a consequence, the National Institute of Older Persons (Instituto Nacional de Personas Adultas [INAPAM]) was created. With this Act, the Institute is confirmed as the governing body of the public policies related with the care for people aged 60 and older, focusing on human development in each and every one of his faculties and powers.

Its main objectives are to protect, care, support and guide the elderly, as well as meet and discuss their problems in order to find adequate solutions. Therefore, the Institute directs its efforts to promote medical care, legal advice and options on employment.