NYC: A Place to Grow Old?

 836141. New York Public Library As my valued colleague hangs up his NYPL id and follows the dream of “westward ho” I ponder my own fate on the east coast and in particular the question, “Is NYC a place to grow old?” Stepping lively onto a subway, is that a future I'll be equipped physically, financially, and emotionally to handle?    

If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, be sure to check out the report, Toward An Age-Friendly New York City, recently released by the New York Academy of Medicine president Jo Ivey Boufford, Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs. This report identifies 8 areas for improvement, in regard to bettering the City for an expected 45 percent increase in NYC’s over age 65 population by 2030.

Finally some insight, from those in the know, real older adults living throughout the five boroughs, to the question, "Is NYC an ideal place to grow old?" What are the advantages and disadvantages for older adults living in NYC? What areas need improvement?

In regard to stepping lively onto the subway, adults interviewed mentioned that it would be helpful to have more subways to step lively onto, in areas of the city with large populations of older adults, and dare to dream, restroom access for subway and bus riders. Just a few of the many useful suggestions our city planners can consider as the City rolls into the future.

Until such time as our City is perfect in every way, check out Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum's Guide to Senior Services in New York City.

Be sure to stay healthy enough to enjoy all the wonderful cultural events our city has to offer by checking out the senior health section of MedlinePlus. Will you still love NYC when you're 65?