AGE-FRIENDLYNYC The Office of the Mayor The New York City Council The New York Academy of Medicine Commission Initiatives2010-2013 www.agefriendlynyc.org
The New York Academy of Medicine At the heart of urban health since 1847 building We love this Age-friendly NYC an age- I don’t I like shopping in my city! go out neighborhood because Age-friendly New York City is a collaborative effort led by the Office of the Mayor, friendly they know me. at night the New York City Council, and The New York Academy of Medicine. NYC because there I don’t want to retire The initiative seeks to make New York City a better place to grow old by is no promoting an “age-in-everything” lens across all aspects of city life. The initiative one to and do nothing. listen to lots of go with. asks the city’s public agencies, businesses, cultural, educational and religious older people I wish I knew institutions, community groups, and individuals to consider how changes to policy 11 how to skype. and practice can create a city more inclusive of older adults and more sensitive I get stuck in the middle of the street when the My mom can't climb her to their needs. light changes and cars I like meeting have to wait for me. stairs any more, and I don't know what to do about it. new people. Age-friendly NYC is one of more than 150 members of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. People over 65 ride S MTWT F S public transit only 54% 1 in 3 volunteers Under the direction of Jo Ivey Boufford and Ruth Finkelstein, the New York of the national average. is 55 years Every Academy of Medicine staffs the Age-friendly NYC initiative and serves as the day WHO’s Collaborating Center on Ageing, Globalization and Urbanization. old or older. roughly In New York State 10,000 share the 129,522 grandparents baby are responsible for data loudly grandchildren who live boomers 2 with them. turn 65 Contents 84%of people over 700,000 and will 65 say they need of NYC workers are over 55. for the A person entering the workforce 4 Age-friendly NYC Commission more time to cross today can expect to work next 19 the street. for 60 years. years. 5 Introduction
BUILD ADVOCATE WORK ACROSS WORK ACROSS CITY GET STORIES COALITIONS ALL SECTORS DEPARTMENTS IN THE PRESS 6 Employment
Age- friendly Grocery Guide 2011 8 Local Business Initiative BETTER Upper West Side
10 Neighborhoods create real 12 East Harlem Aging Improvement District
SOUP 3 citywide change 14 Upper West Side Aging Improvement District 16 Bedford-Stuyvesant Aging Improvement District 18 Pelham Parkway Aging Improvement District
20 Colleges and Universities 22 Disaster Preparedness & Response Initiative
www.agefriendlynyc.org 24 Professions @AgefriendlyNYC 26 Communications & Public Engagement Introduction
ver the past five years, New York City has become an internationally recognized model and leader in creating a city where it is great to grow old. Traditionally, governments have only addressed the issues of aging through expensive Ohealth care and social services. Through the Age-friendly NYC initiative, a joint partnership between the Office of the Mayor, the New York City Council and The New York Academy of Medicine, New York has leveraged its partners across city agencies and the private sector to develop much a broader, comprehensive, creative approach to aging. From capital investment to low-cost simple fixes, the city’s streets, parks, institutions, social services, small businesses and neighborhoods have Age-friendly NYC Commission improved dramatically for the benefit of older adults and for people of all ages. The Age-friendly NYC Commission, seated in 2010, is composed of public and private sector CO-CHAIRS Jack Friedman Jacqueline Mondros EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS leaders who are dedicated to and charged with making the City a better place to grow old. The Executive Director, Queens Dean, Hunter School of Commission recognizes that older adults are the experts on their own needs and that their Gordon Campbell Chamber of Commerce Social Work Lilliam Barrios-Paoli Professor, NYU Wagner Commissioner, New York talents and skills are assets to the City. The Commission’s main strategy of working is to consult School of Public Service Helen R. Hamlin Meredith Oppenheim City Department for the older adults, test new interventions, evaluate them and disseminate if proven successful. The Main Representative, Founder & CEO, Aging Commission has applied this strategy through establishing work groups composed of commission Robin Willner International Federation Nurturemed members and city stakeholders. The accomplishments of those groups are outlined in this report. Director, Leadership on Aging, United Nations Jo Ivey Boufford Council for NYS P-TECH; Carol Raphael President, The New York Highlights include: 1,000 local businesses now better serving and attracting older customers; four Paloma Hernandez Former President and CEO, Academy of Medicine new neighborhood-level initiatives called Aging Improvement Districts and agefriendlycollege. COMMISSIONERS President & CEO, Urban Visiting Nurse Services of org, a clearinghouse of opportunities for older adults at 40+ of the city’s colleges and universities. Health Plan, Inc. New York Linda Gibbs Michael Adams Deputy Mayor, New York These innovations intersect with 59 initiatives implemented across city departments, whose Executive Director, SAGE Robert M. Kaufman Denise Scott City Health & Human progress is concurrently reported on in Age-friendly NYC: 59 Initiatives. Member of Firm, Managing Director, Services, Office of the Lois Wagh Aronstein Proskauer Local Initiatives Support Mayor This work is pioneering. New York recently won the “Best Existing Age-friendly Initiative” in the Consultant Corporation NYC Jessica Lappin Christine C. Quinn world from the International Federation on Aging, yet we have more work to do. People are living Philip Brickner Member, New York City Walter Smith Speaker, New York City longer, and birthrates are low. In New York we will soon have more people over 60 than school-aged Director of Tubercolosis Council Chancellor, Health Care Council Studies, Department of Chaplaincy children for the first time in history. The majority of leaders in our businesses, civic organizations, Community Medicine, Melissa Mark-Viverito and churches are older adults, yet most organizations do not have practices or policies that Member, New York City Mark L. Wagar Mt. Sinai Hospital encourage people to remain active as they age. Much of our housing, infrastructure, social supports, Council President, Heritage Calvin O. Butts, III Medical Systems and technology are not designed with the diversity of older New Yorkers in mind. And our social Pastor, The Abyssinian Len McNally supports have only begun to recognize NYC’s older adults are as diverse as New York as a whole. As Baptist Church Program Director, The Arthur Webb New York Community we experience this unprecedented phenomenon, the Age-friendly NYC Commission looks forward Francine Delgado Trust to partnering across the city to address these issues. For more information and updates on Age- Principal, DL Consulting friendly NYC, please visit www.agefriendlynyc.org. Edward I. Mills Linda Fried Principal Architect, Dean, Mailman School of Edward I. Mills + Public Health, Columbia Associates, Architects PC University
Age-friendly NYC Accomplishments | 2010-2013 | www.agefriendlynyc.org 5 Employment
Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
of NYC’s workforce • Alfred P. Sloan Foundation 1. In 2011, Age-friendly NYC, AARP, and The 4. In Spring 2013, the Age Smart Employer (700,000 people) • Age Smart Employer Research Advisory Panel Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co- Selection Committee, chaired by Robert 20% are 55 and older and • Age Smart Employer Selection Committee sponsored a successful symposium that Kaufman from Proskauer Rose was selected many want or need to work past traditional focused on challenges and solutions for and announced retirement age. During consultations with Press preparing for an aging workforce. older New Yorkers in 2007, several challenges 5. In Spring 2013, the Age Smart Employer to employment were identified including the “Transforming the Challenges of an Aging 2. In 2012, The New York Academy of Compendium of Strategies and Practices perceived reluctance to hire older workers, Workforce into Business Success” Medicine (NYAM) was awarded a grant from was issued and the award competition was the need for upgraded skills, the pressures AGEnda Aging & Work Blog, April 3, 2013 the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to develop launched. of balancing work-life issues, functional “The Age Smart Employer Awards Competition and launch a new awards program honoring limitations, and the desire for “bridge” jobs is Open” New York City employers who promote that supported a gradual transition to eventual Press Release, NYAM, May 23 2013 policies and practices that optimize the retirement. Because of the importance of multigenerational workplace as part of a “The New York Academy of Medicine Launches 21st century business strategy. older adults as workers, employment has been First Annual Age Smart Employer Awards” a focus of the Commission. Newsday, August 16 2013 3. In November 2012, the Age Smart Employer Research Advisory panel, chaired by James “Awarding Age Diversity” Plans Parrott from the Fiscal Policy Institute, Andrea Doyle, Incentive Magazine, September convened to guide the development of a The Age Smart Employer Selection Committee 17 2013 report that provides a review of current will choose up to 10 winners by October strategies and practices considered to be 2013 The Selection Committee is comprised Products age-smart. of a selection committee of business and civic leaders in New York City and chaired Compendium of Strategies and Practices can by Age-friendly NYC Commission member be found at www.agesmartemployer.com. Robert Kaufman of Proskauer Rose. Winners will be honored at a ceremony in January 2014. Additionally, tools and resources will be produced to help employers become more age-smart.
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Origin Key Partners Products Accomplishments
uring consultations with older adults • Bennack-Polan Foundation An overview document, guidelines for Since its establishment in 2010, AFLBI has had in New York City, they expressed businesses, an age-friendly local business the following successes: that they like to shop locally and are • AFLBI works with 20 business-serving guide, and lists of age-friendly businesses can D organizations including the Queens 1. The program was successfully piloted in East loyal customers to local businesses. However, all be found on www.agefriendlynyc.org. Visit Harlem older adults indicated that at times they felt Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn the Business page under Current Initiatives. less valued because of their age and that Chamber of Commerce, Bronx Chamber of 2. In 2011, it was expanded citywide and the physical layout and customer service of Commerce, the Grand Central Partnership, there are now 1,000+ businesses currently stores can be problematic. The Age-friendly the Union Square Partnership, Westchester participating NYC Commission’s Business Workgroup, led Square BID, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, and the 3. A controlled study of select participating by Robin Wilner, established the Age-friendly Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. In businesses demonstrated an increase in Local Business Initiative (AFLBI) in 2010. addition, AFLBI works with the members of sales in comparison to businesses that This initiative is designed to help businesses all four Aging Improvement Districts. did not participate. This study was made attract new customers and better cater to possible by the Bennack-Polan Foundation. their existing older adult clientele. It provides Press 4. Partnerships were established with 20 education and support to businesses on how “Gain 1 Million New Customers With the Age- business organizations to market the to make small age-friendly changes to their Friendly Local Business Initiative” program to their membership business and better market themselves to - Grand Central Partnership, Aug. 29, 2012 older consumers. 5. AFLBI workshops are being held with local “In Business? Consider Older Customers” chambers of commerce and business - Queens Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 11, 2012 improvements districts “Seniors-Friendly Guide to Upper West Side 6. Best practices are shared with other age- Grocery Stores” friendly cities and communities nationally - The New York Times, Apr. 26, 2011 and internally
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
rom Age-friendly NYC’s inception, older Council Members Melissa-Mark Viverito 1. Age-friendly NYC has established 5. A toolkit to assist those interested in adults have said that New York City is a (East Harlem), Gale Brewer (Upper West Aging Improvement Districts in four replicating the AID model or learning from Fcity of neighborhoods, and that as they Side), Albert Vann (Bedford Stuyvesant), neighborhoods: East Harlem, the Upper its best practices was created, posted have aged the immediate area where they and James Vacca (Pelham Parkway) have all West Side, Bedford Stuyvesant, and online, and distributed in hard copy to 1,000 live has become more important. Older adults been instrumental in ensuring the success of Pelham Parkway. Each AID has conducted people. also said that each of the city’s neighborhoods the AIDs. Coalition for the Improvement of community consultations with older adults, has its own challenges and strengths and Bedford Stuyvesant (CIBS) and Local Initiatives 6. “Creating an Age-friendly NYC, One has an advisory group, and has created an Neighborhood at a Time” can be found that creative solutions must be developed Support Coalition (LISC) have been the leaders implementation strategy. organically in communities, not only through of the Bed-Stuy AID. NYAM has taken a here: uniform citywide policy. leadership role, if not the leadership role, in all 2. The East Harlem, Upper West Side, and http://www.nyam.org/agefriendlynyc/docs/ Bed-Stuy AIDs each hosted large community Toolkit_Report_0321-VA-new.pdf In 2010, as one of the first actions, the of the AIDs. More than 100 organizations from around the city are involved as advisory group events (150-300 people) to share the findings 7. Several New York City organizations and The Age-friendly NYC Commission’s Aging of their community consultations and build Improvement District Workgroup, led by Arthur members to AIDs. More than 1,000 older neighborhoods have been inspired by adults have been involved in an AID. support and enthusiasm for the initiative AIDs and adopted similar initiatives. The Webb, designed the innovative concept of among older adults and community leaders. Aging Improvement Districts to address these Brownsville Partnership and Abyssinian issues. An Aging Improvement District brings Press 3. The East Harlem AID was evaluated after Development Corporation developed their its first year, and the initiative was found to own age-friendly initiatives in Brownsville the concerns and suggestions of older adults “Graying Gotham: Toward a Senior-Friendly in a specific neighborhood together with the have created fast change in the community, and Central Harlem, in part because of City” and to have inspired those who work with inspiration from these districts. Council leaders and resources of local businesses, - THIRTEEN WNET, July 13, 2011 non-profit organizations, city officials, and older adults to think more broadly about members in several other districts have met cultural, educational, and religious institutions “City Developing ‘Aging Improvement their needs and those who have never with Age-friendly NYC to develop ways to to think strategically and make no- and low- Districts’” considered older adults a target population improve their work without launching a full cost improvements to make the neighborhood - The Gothamist, July 19, 2010 to adjust their work. district. The Actors Fund and Manhattan more inclusive of its older residents. Aging “The ‘old neighborhood’: East Harlem is city’s 4. Several initiatives including the CityBench Plaza conducted a Seniors Community Improvement Districts also serve as incubators first ‘Aging Improvement District’” program, Senior Splash at public pools, Survey that drew from lessons learned to test new policies and programs for the - Daily News, August 22, 2011 the Age-friendly Local Business Initiative, and tools used by the Aging Improvement Districts. overall Age-friendly NYC initiative. “City Creates ‘Aging Improvement District’ in and neighborhood-wide grocery guides north-east Bronx to help improve daily lives of developed out of aging improvement seniors:” districts and were later replicated in other - Daily News, October 9, 2012 neighborhoods.
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments n March 2010, once the Age-friendly The East Harlem Aging Improvement District is Initiatives out of the East Harlem AID have Swimming Commission had determined the principles led by NYAM and City Council Member Melissa been so successful that they have led to In 2011, senior-only swim hours began at Iof an AID, City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. The AID has an Advisory Group citywide change. An evaluation of the pilot the Thomas Jefferson pool, and due to the Mark-Viverito and NYAM piloted the first Aging with about 50 members. The Advisory Group was conducted during its first year and showed program’s high turnout (often 100+ people) Improvement District in East Harlem. The brings together stakeholders from all sectors increased partnership between organizations and great success the Parks Department process began with community consultations of city life, allowing for an exchange of ideas in the community, greater awareness of the agreed to expand the special hours to 14 pools with more than 300 older adults. Key findings and encouraging discussion about how to best range of changes needed to improve the in 2012. In 2013, the program expanded to 15 from these consultations include the following: serve the older adults in the community. neighborhood, and more people thinking about pools and the Parks Department also placed aging who previously had not. water aerobics instructors at all participating • Most older adults in East Harlem have lived pools. in the neighborhood, often in the same Press Seating apartment, for the majority of their lives. “The ‘old neighborhood’: East Harlem is city’s The AID gathered recommendations for 125th Steet and Lexington Avenue Those who know their neighbors feel safer first ‘Aging Improvement District’” benches, and also did walk-throughs of the Age-friendly NYC created a report about the and more supported. - Daily News, August 22, 2011 neighborhood to determine areas in need of intersection of 125th St. and Lexington Ave, additional seating. A list was given to DOT, who emphasizing the perspectives of older adults • Having somewhere to sit inside and outside “No Kidding Around: East Harlem Pool Offers agreed to make East Harlem the top priority. and offering recommendations. The report is very important to older adults and Free Senior Swim Hours” This became the model for the CityBench was shared with Community Board 11, which enables their independence and ability to - Daily News, July 8, 2011 program, which was launched outside the recently put focus on the intersection. actively participate in neighborhood life. “East Harlem Businesses Kick Off ‘Age- Covello Senior Center in East Harlem and is now Connecting to Existing Resources • 125th St. between Park and Lexington Friendly NYC’” replicated all over the city. There are currently • Several advisory group members took steps Aves. is an important intersection for older - CBS New York, February 18, 2011 more than 30 benches in East Harlem, with to increase older adults’ access to their adults as a transportation hub and as the more expected to be placed. institutions. location of Pathmark and other businesses. Products 200 chairs were distributed to East Harlem • A senior committee was started at El Museo There is near universal concern about the businesses, along with educational materials del Barrio convergence of drug users, people who “Growing Old in East Harlem” - A 2010 Video from the East Harlem about better attracting and accommodating • Created a Summer 2011 calendar of free are homeless, and the high incidence of older customers with support from Senior age-friendly events in East Harlem pedestrian injuries at the intersection. Aging Improvement District. Found on www.agefriendlynyc.org. Visit the Aging Health Partners and in conjunction with the • La Marqueta hosted monthly Senior • Almost all older adults do not use public Improvement Districts pages under Current Age-friendly NYC Local Business Initiative. Tuesdays swimming pools, but many say they would Initiatives. • East Harlem NY Public Library branches if there was a time they could be there shared best practices to increase outreach to without the crowds and regulations. older adults
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
he Upper West Side Aging • Council Member Gale Brewer and her staff The following are some of the AID’s successes 5. Council Member Brewer hosted an event Improvement District was launched lead the AID. to date: for cultural institutions to present their in June 2010 by Council member special programming for children and older T • Advisors to the initiative include Council 1. There are about 30 age-friendly businesses Gale Brewer. The Upper West Side has one adults. NYAM staff have met with many of of the greatest concentrations of non-profit Senior Center, Goddard Riverside, Lincoln in the Columbus-Amsterdam Business the neighborhood’s cultural institutions to organizations, Naturally Occurring Retirement Square Neighborhood Center, Lincoln District. discuss ways they can become more age- Communities (NORCs), cultural institutions Square Business Improvement District, 2. Council Member Brewer’s office created friendly, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie and businesses in the city. An advisory Alliance for the Arts, Project FIND, an Age-friendly West Side Grocery Guide, Hall, and the Kaufman Center. group that initiated the project included DOROT, Bloomingdale Aging in Place, and outlining the local grocery businesses Community Board 7. 6. The Lincoln Square Business Improvement leaders from these along with directors of exhibiting the best practices for addressing District created a “Community for All Ages” the neighborhood’s largest senior service the needs of older adults. brochure and webpage, outlining the area’s providers. Products 3. The Upper West Side Apple Store hosts places to stop, sit, and relax, a listing of The initiative began with 20 community “Becoming Age-friendly: Upper West Side” computer classes for beginners before the area’s free public art and monuments, consultations with older adults in English - A 2011 Video from the Upper West Side the store opens twice a week. The store public restrooms, and accessibility features. and Spanish in a wide range of settings from Aging Improvement District. Found on manager designed a new curriculum for Age-friendly NYC also spoke at their annual religious institutions to senior centers to an www.agefriendlynyc.org. Visit the Aging older adults, which is now also being used meeting. assisted living facility. The key findings from Improvement Districts pages under Current at the store’s East 59th Street location. the consultations were largely in the areas of Initiatives. 4. Council Member Brewer initiated “Grow parks, plazas and public spaces, businesses, Green, Age Well,” a group of four programs cultural institutions, and creating supportive intended to help seniors eat greener and living environments. The findings were shared live longer. These efforts include matching at a community event on April 5, 2011, greenmarkets with senior centers and the attended by city, non-profit, and business Westside Senior Supported Agriculture leaders, as well as 200 older adults. Solutions (WSSA) Food Box Program, a bi-monthly are currently being implemented based on program that connects older adults with these findings. boxes of affordable, quality produce, and a change to Department for the Aging policy that enables local senior centers to buy food directly from farmers.
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
roundwork for the Bedford- The Coalition for the Improvement of Bedford- 1. The Coalition for the Improvement of 5. CIBS hosted a number of workshops for Stuyvesant Aging Improvement Stuyvesant (CIBS), the Local Initiative Support Bedford-Stuyvesant has engaged the older adults, including Lobbying 101 and GDistrict—the third in the city and Coalition (LISC), and NYAM staff the Bedford- 100+ members of their existing networks bi-annual senior-only financial workshops at the first in Brooklyn—began in November Stuyvesant AID. The Fan Fox and Leslie R. to consider the needs and contributions local senior centers 2010 with conversations led by Age-friendly Samuels Foundation and Council Member of older adults. CIBS has put particular 6. Partnering with Rebuilding Together NYC to Commission members and Local Initiative Albert Vann both fund the work. focus on the areas of housing and physical Support Corporation (LISC) Executive Director provide home renovations for low-income development, workforce development, seniors—homeowners qualify for up to Denise Scott. The AID was officially launched in Press business vitality, asset building, and social 2012, with the goal of testing the replicability $1500 in renovations by volunteers “Bed-Stuy Launches an ‘Aging Improvement services. In addition, CIBS absorbed Council of the model; the pilot in Bedford-Stuyvesant Member Al Vann’s Senior Action Committee was embedded into the Coalition for the District’” - NY Daily News, April 26, 2012 and merged it with the work of the AID in Improvement of Bedford Stuyvesant (CIBS), fall 2012. a community organization to which strategic “Wisdom from our Griots: Bed-Stuy Seniors assistance and advisement were provided. Share their Stories” 2. Free transportation from Bed-Stuy senior LISC and NYAM have assisted CIBS in securing - A 2012 video from the Bed-Stuy Aging centers to the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s funding from the The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Improvement District. Found on www. Senior Cinema series Samuels Foundation in 2012 and 2013. agefriendlynyc.org. Visit the Aging 3. From July through November, CIBS and In 2012, CIBS convened conversations with Improvement Districts pages under Current GrowNYC provide produce boxes to seniors more than 200 seniors in the neighborhood Initiatives. at three locations in the neighborhood to to assess challenges and opportunities for the promote consumption of fresh, healthy, and aging. A Bed-Stuy AID launch event and awards affordable foods ceremony also convened about 100 older 4. Community surveys to identify locations adults in the neighborhood, which resulted for a dozen or more new public benches in vital feedback and ideas for moving the and seating through the Department of initiative forward. Transportation’s CityBench program—as a result, 10+ benches have been added to the neighborhood
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments he Pelham Parkway Aging Improvement The Pelham Parkway AID Advisory Board In the first six months since the establishment 4. Vacca’s office and ARIVA sponsored a free District was established in 2012 by convenes representatives from more than of the Aging Improvement District, Council tax-prep event to help process tax returns T Council Member James Vacca. His office 30 organizations, including: the AARP, Bronx Member Vacca and the Advisory Board have for constituents at the Bronx House (990 has convened over 30 organizations to join the Council on the Arts, the Bronx Chamber of been working toward an Age-friendly Bronx in Pelham Parkway South), catering to many Pelham Parkway Aging Improvement District Commerce, Einstein College of Medicine, the following ways: seniors who live in the Pelham Parkway Advisory Board, including representatives from Jacobi Hospital, Jewish Home Lifecare, Pelham neighborhood. health, social services, business, and higher Parkway Houses NORC Program, the Visiting 1. Volunteer-led senior computer classes began at Throggs Neck Public Library, 5. Age-friendly NYC’s Age-friendly Local education. Since last fall, the board has met Nurse Service of New York, and many others. Business Initiative presented to members regularly to discuss issues of interest to older The Office of Council Member James Vacca is and a new partnership with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) offered two free of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, local adults in the district and in October the Aging also instrumental in coordinating efforts. merchant associations, and BIDs with the Improvement District kicked off with an event, computer classes (English and Spanish) at RAIN Boston Road Senior Center. intent to engage more local businesses in which was attended by City Council Speaker Press age-friendly practices. Christine Quinn. 2. The MTA’s MetroCard Bus is stationed “First-ever Aging Improving District in Bronx” at three different locations in the district - Bronx Times, October 15, 2012 to provide seniors with easier access to “City Creates ‘Aging Improvement District’ in reduced-fare MetroCards, and AARP will north-east Bronx to help improve daily lives of administer a defensive driving course for seniors” local residents who are members. - Daily News, October 9, 2012 3. Through a partnership with the Parks Department, there is a free weekly Shape Up aerobics class being held at the JASA Throggs Neck Senior Center through the spring, and Council Member Vacca’s Office sponsored a walk program at SUNY Maritime College.
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
lder New Yorkers have voiced a Each college and university that participated 1. Surveyed NYC schools, colleges, and 3. The database was profiled on prominent strong desire to continue learning, in the database conducted an assessment universities to determine existing news outlets such as WCBS and the Wall Oaccess skills training, and participate and provided information about what their opportunities for older adults Street Journal. in the rich and vibrant communities of school offers. This was prompted by a colleges and universities, but have limited letter sent to the President or Dean of each 2. Launched the Age-friendly NYC College Link access to them. Barriers to access include institution from the Mayor and City Council database in fall 2012, the first database affordability, accessibility of information and Speaker, requesting that they each provide cataloguing opportunities at the city’s offerings, availability of appropriate programs, a contact person for the project who could colleges for older adults. The website – and environments that feel unwelcoming to collect information from various parts of www.agefriendlycollege.org – provides an older adults. the institution. More than 40 colleges and easy way to learn about courses, programs, universities are a part of the database. events, and activities available to older The Age-friendly Schools, Colleges and adults at many New York City colleges and Universities Workgroup, led by Linda Fried, the universities. Some notable listings: Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Press • CUNY offers four free audited classes Columbia University, was established to bring “NYAM, NYC Mayor’s Office, and NYC Council together leadership from the city’s colleges for New Yorkers ages 60+ with a $75 to Launch First-ever Age-friendly College registration fee. and universities to develop solutions that Database to Encourage Older Adults to address this issue. In addition, leadership from Return to School” • Columbia University offers older adults the city’s colleges and universities indicated - NYAM, November 15, 2012 select courses for one-third of the regular that there is a great need to make aging a course fee. “Age-friendly College Link database featured priority in institutional research agendas and • Fordham University’s College at Sixty in embedding the aging of the population and on WCBS” - WCBS Newsradio 880, November 27, 2012 program, which offers non-credit the issues of older adults into curriculum for programs and free lecture series for students. “Age-friendly NYC College database aids adults 50 years and older, free access to learning” many campus events, and a 50% tuition - Wall Street Journal, November 15, 2012 discount for Social Security recipients who matriculate through the College at Sixty program.
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments n October 2012 during Hurricane Sandy, The Older Adults & Disasters Policy Advisory In 2013, funding was secured and the special needs registries, pets, technology, thousands of vulnerable people, many of Committee convenes representatives from project’s mission and planned activities were and volunteer coordination. A review of Ithem older adults, remained isolated in more than 40 organizations including the New established. Building on the successful model peer-reviewed and grey literature generated dark, unheated apartments without sufficient York City Housing Authority, the New York of the Age-friendly NYC Commission, an Older 125 relevant sources. Finally, an analysis of food, running water, or medical assistance. City Department for the Aging, the Municipal Adults & Disasters Policy Advisory Committee population-based and Sandy-specific data Twenty-five of the 44 reported deaths in Arts Society, AARP, the Gray Panthers, City was created to engage city government collected by partners such as the New York NYC were people over age 60. As a result the Harvest, the Legal Aid Society, the Council of agencies, community and faith-based City Housing Authority and the New York City Age-friendly NYC Commission and NYAM felt NY Coops and Condominiums, Hunter College, organizations, private industry, and the local Department of Health and Mental Hygiene compelled to focus on older adults and disaster and many others. The initiative also engages business community. have provided additional context. preparedness and response to improve the five community-based partners, which include The project has engaged in a range of outcome of future catastrophic events. JASA, Red Hook Initiative, Hamilton-Madison data-gathering activities to establish a With funding from The New York Community House, Community Health Action of Staten comprehensive understanding of the needs Trust, led by Commission member Len Island, and the Shorefront YM-YWHA, who and assets of older adults in disasters, as McNally, and the Altman Foundation, NYAM sit on the advisory committee, and lend a evidenced by Hurricane Sandy. A total of 14 has launched an initiative to engage multiple frontline perspective to the process. focus groups (135 participants) were run in Far stakeholders to work collaboratively toward Rockaway, Staten Island, Brighton Beach, Red creating better formal and informal support Plans Hook and the Lower East Side. Groups were systems for New York’s community-dwelling In 2014, NYAM will issue a report with our facilitated in English, Mandarin and Spanish. older adults before, during, and after disasters findings, as well as recommendations for Key informant interviews were conducted and other mass emergency events, such as public agencies and private sector groups to with 55 experts across a wide range of power outages and heat waves. better meet the needs and leverage the skills sectors on topics such as housing, pharmacy, The initiative seeks to engage older adults and of older adults in disasters. non-governmental organizations that are often critical partners in emergency response but Press are not traditionally involved in emergency planning. This informed and inclusive approach “NYAM Launches Initiative to Help NYC to preparedness and response will maximize Support Older Adults during Disasters” assets to create more resilient and elder- - NYAM, February 25, 2013 friendly communities.
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Origin Key Partners Accomplishments
reating an Age-friendly NYC requires a • American Institute of Architects (AIA-NY) 1. The American Institute for Architects New 3. In 2011, the New York City Bar Association shift in policies, practice, and attitudes • New York Public Library York Chapter (AIA-NY) started a Design for and the New York State Bar Association Cacross all sectors of city life. • New York City Bar Association Aging Committee that has more than 60 hosted an Aging and Life Planning Forum The city’s many professional associations • Touro School of Pharmacy members and has met every month for three that brought together professionals were identified as gateways to reach large • Cultural Institutions Group years. Meetings have included guest speakers in the areas of elder law, medicine, groups of people open to thinking about on a range of topics about age-friendly design. government, financial planning, and their work in new ways and to seeing the Press Most recently, in May 2013, AIA-NY hosted an social services. At the Age-friendly NYC aging of the population as an opportunity for all-day charrette called “Booming Boroughs,” Commission’s request, the New York City professional growth. Age-friendly NYC staff “Architects Take Rare Dive Into Politics” - Crain’s New York Business, May 28, 2013 bringing together 100+ people of different Bar Association also performed a review focused on professions that were important disciplines to design solutions for four of all of their age-friendly activities. Age- to older adults. In addition, Age-friendly NYC different types of housing typical to New York. friendly NYC Commission member Robert Commission members became champions AIA-NY also integrated age-friendly principles Kaufman shared this information with the within their own professional organizations. in its first ever Mayoral Platform in 2013. Age- Commission. friendly NYC Commission member Ed Mills has 4. The Touro School of Pharmacy created a led much of this work. list of “Potentially Inappropriate Over the 2. The New York Public Library (NYPL) created a Counter Medications for the Elderly: A List list of best age-friendly practices for librarians for Pharmacists” after being inspired by the and shared it with branches and with the Age-friendly NYC initiative. Queens and Brooklyn Public Libraries. NYPL 5. The Cultural Institutions Group, a group of also brought together the three library the 33 cultural organizations in New York systems outreach coordinators to share City that are operated as a public-private best practices around older adults. And, partnership, launched an aging committee NYPL partnered with the Department for to focus on promoting ways that members the Aging to host borough-wide meetings of serve older patrons, largely inspired by Age- library branches and senior centers to share friendly NYC. information, added special senior sections to its website, and has hosted classes, a technology “Petting Zoo,” and panels to discuss issues important to older adults.
24 Age-friendly NYC Accomplishments | 2010-2013 | www.agefriendlynyc.org Age-friendly NYC Accomplishments | 2010-2013 | www.agefriendlynyc.org 25 Communications & Public Engagement
Origin Accomplishments pieces, which ran in more than 100 different 6. Age-friendly NYC now has an email contact publications. Coverage included articles in list nearing 2,000 subscribers. We sent our he engagement of older New Yorkers Age-friendly NYC has progressed, neighborhood the New York Times, the NY Daily News, first two e-blasts to the entire list this spring. and the city’s civic leadership have by neighborhood, with community consultations, The Wall Street Journal, US News and World been at the center of Age-friendly focus groups, roundtables, and surveys to 7. Age-friendly NYC launched Twitter T Report, Crain’s Business Report, CBSNews, (@AgefriendlyNYC) and Facebook accounts NYC from its inception. Age-friendly NYC is engage older adults about their daily lives and the Huffington Post, and various New York rooted in the belief that older adults are the use their ideas and suggestions to shape positive in 2013. Our Twitter account gains new neighborhood newspapers and international followers every day through online foremost experts on their own lives and their change. Age-friendly New York City strives to news organizations. own needs. Age-friendly NYC also understands engage the public on an ongoing basis. The conversations with key players. that the political capital needed to bring about East Harlem, Upper West Side and Bed-Stuy 3. Age-friendly NYC has reached over 10,000 8. In 2012, we began a new Age-friendly change in policies and attitudes can only Aging Improvement Districts each hosted large older adults and city leaders through Ambassadors program to broaden our reach come if older New Yorkers and New Yorkers community events (150-300 people) to share the presentations, discussions and tabling at into neighborhoods around the city and to of all ages are partners in the initiative and findings of their community consultations and fairs and festivals. Age-friendly NYC has also develop a core group of older adults to inform supportive of its tenets. At the same time, build support and enthusiasm for the initiative been invited to present the initiative in 10 and advocate on behalf of the initiative. one of initiative’s main findings has been that among older adults and community leaders. different countries and has provided strategic The first class of eight ambassadors was older adults are a population that often lacks assistance to several dozen cities around the successful, with each ambassador promoting access to information about what resources and 1. Age-friendly NYC, with the support of U.S. and world. Age-friendly NYC in individual ways—most opportunities are available to them. With over City Council members, held community 4. Five videos about Age-friendly NYC have have presented Age-friendly NYC to groups 170 languages spoken, 59 community districts, consultations with 2,000 older adults in 14 been produced, shown at events, and posted in their neighborhoods (ranging up to 100 and limited resources, it has been an ambitious neighborhoods in six languages and with on the website. One is about the overall people), one has written about Age-friendly and challenging to task to engage the public on 10 different immigrant groups to conduct initiative. Three are about specific Aging NYC for a community newsletter, one has an issue that affects an entire population. its initial citywide assessment. Expert Improvement Districts. The fourth highlights taken up an activist project to further include roundtables were also conducted with more the Senior Swim program. The videos can be older adults in Department of Transportation than 100 people. Community consultations Press found at agefriendlynyc.org/multimedia. initiatives, and another attended a recent City through our Aging Improvement Districts Council hearing to support older adult access For a links to all media coverage the initiative have reached another 1,000 older adults 5. Age-friendly NYC has its own website (agefriendlynyc.org) where individuals can to the arts. The second class of enthusiastic has received visit: throughout the city. volunteer Ambassadors is currently being agefriendlynyc.org/news-and-events learn about programs and events and use 2. Since the launch of Age-friendly NYC in our tools and resources. Separate sites trained. 2008, there have been 50 unique articles have also been created for the Age-friendly or news programs featuring the initiative’s College Link database (agefriendlycollege. work, including several Associated Press org) and the Age Smart Employer Award (agesmartemployer.org).
26 Age-friendly NYC Accomplishments | 2010-2013 | www.agefriendlynyc.org Age-friendly NYC Accomplishments | 2010-2013 | www.agefriendlynyc.org 27 AGE FRIENDLY NYC
1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10026 • (212) 822-7200 www.nyam.org • www.agefriendlynyc.org @AgefriendlyNYC