When we talk about the future of New York, too often, older adults like us are left out of the conversation. But it is indisputable that, as we move forward, our generation and those that come after us will have a more significant presence in communities across the city and state. Now is the time for Albany to take the necessary steps to ensure the state is supporting seniors and prioritizing our well-being.
Between 2000 and 2018, New York’s population of adults over 60 increased nearly 40 percent, and today, there are more people over 60 living in the five boroughs than there are school-aged children. As the legislature debates priorities in this year’s budget, they must put the needs of seniors first.
Despite a growing population of older New Yorkers, the financial support the city receives from Albany remains stagnant, with only 12 percent of the Department on Aging’s budget coming from the state.
In its nearly 50-year history, the Department on Aging’s mission to eliminate ageism and improve the quality of life for older New Yorkers has never been more important. Today, not only are there more older residents living in the five boroughs, but they are also more likely to face social isolation and live below the poverty line.
That’s why local aging service providers like Encore Community Services give older New Yorkers, like us, opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. In addition to serving nutritious meals, centers across the city host fun activities to keep their members fit and offer the ability to learn new skills. These opportunities must be available to the growing population of older adults.
Aging service providers also connect their members to critical benefit and entitlement programs, allowing them to continue living in the communities they know best, keeping them out of institutions, so they can age in place successfully. This community care model is one that we both know because we have seen and experienced it firsthand. As the needs of older adults grow, support for them should grow as well. The Community Care Plan, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a five-year strategic initiative that has expanded the number of senior centers and naturally occurring retirement communities so that more New Yorkers can access these programs and services, but all the funds for this expansion came from the city.
Meanwhile, participation in senior center activities has increased. Nearly two million congregate meals have been provided, representing a 17 percent increase in participants from the previous fiscal year. And there are more options than ever to participate in other programs that older residents — just like us — are taking advantage of across the city. In the first four months of the city’s fiscal year 2024, for example, 22,619 participants were served in virtual and hybrid programs, an increase of 15 percent. There has also been an increase in home-based services, including the number of hours worked for case management of homebound older adults.
We represent a generation of New Yorkers who have contributed decades to building and improving the Empire State, and we deserve the services that give us the opportunity to live vibrant, independent lives. But without additional support from the state, that will be harder for all of us. That’s why we’re calling on Albany to increase its support for aging services in New York City. Increased funding from the state will help expand these vital services, improve programs, and provide more older New Yorkers with the care and assistance we deserve.
Our vision for the future is clear. We envision an inclusive city for all ages where all older adults can thrive with purpose in their communities. Now is the time for the state legislature to listen to what seniors want and need, and join us in securing their future.
Cortés-Vázquez is commissioner of the New York City Department on Aging (NYC Aging) y Ana Cepeda is a retired hospitality union worker who has been attending the Senior Center at Encore Community Services
2024-04-09 22:33:35
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