Press Releases

NYC Aging Launches Citywide Survey to Assess the Needs of Older New Yorkers

Survey is being launched during Older Americans Month, when the country reaffirms its commitment to serving older residents.

As the model age-inclusive city, the Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), during Older American month, has launched a citywide Service Needs Assessment survey. The results will support NYC Aging and the members of the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers understand the current needs of older residents, see where gaps of service exist, and better advocate for their needs. Survey will help the city prepare for the continuing growth of older New Yorkers living in the five boroughs.

“With more older New Yorkers aging, every community will also see an increase in caregivers, like myself, looking after their loved ones,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This survey will help us better understand the needs of caregivers so we can alleviate their stress and help them overcome the challenges they face. By focusing on their needs, we can better support New Yorkers as they age-in-place.”

“The community-care model we are implementing can only be successful if we engage directly with the people we serve, and those who do not use City or State services” said NYC Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “We created this survey to reach the vast number of diverse older adults who call New York City home. This will allow us to evaluate our programs and collaborate with our providers to meet their needs. I look forward to seeing the results so we can continue to build on the progress we have already made.”

With May being Older Americans Month - where the country recognizes the contributions of older adults - NYC Aging staff and our partners will be at events throughout the city encouraging residents 60 years of age or older, and their caregivers, to fill out the survey. It will also be distributed by NYC Aging service providers to encourage the residents they work with to participate. The survey is accessible on NYC Aging’s website in 10 different languages. Participants who share their contact information may be entered into a drawing and may win a $50 gift card in October.

Some of the topics covered by the survey include managing finances, transportation, meal preparation. and social isolation. To access the Service Needs Assessment survey New Yorkers can visit: on.nyc.gov/agingsurvey.

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About The Department for the Aging:

The Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) mission is to eliminate ageism and create a community-care approach that allows residents to continue to access the programs and resources for their physical and mental well-being. Through a network of over 400 older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities, support and services are provided that allow the nearly 1.8 older New Yorkers to continue living independently in their communities.