aging in place: a resource guide
LEARNING
Pace University’s Active Retirement Center (PARC)Designed for individuals 55 years or older, PARC offers senior citizens the opportunity to attend “innovative programs, dynamic lectures, and exciting social functions.” A membership fee of $100 includes access to the Coffee & Culture lecture series, the summer 2019 movies series, the use of Pace University’s downtown campus library and computer lab, and intergenerational technology assistance. Admissions are rolling.
212-346-1244
Marlene Meyerson JCCThe JCC offers the 60+ community programs that include “discussion groups + learning, recreation, creative arts, outings + trips, computer learning opportunities, health, wellness + support, and Wise Aging.” Program liaisons will “assist you in tailoring your JCC experience to meet your personal goals and interests, and provide you with new and exciting opportunities.”
www.jccmanhattan.org/communities/60-plus/
646-505-4412
Council Lifetime LearningA community service project of the National Council of Jewish Women New York (NCJW NY), Council Lifetime Learning offers members an array of programming including art and performing arts classes, exercise classes, discussion groups, and healthy living workshops.
www.ncjwny.org/event/summer-2019-cll-classes
212-687-5030
SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging)JASA, one of New York’s largest nonprofits for older adults, works to serve seniors across New York by providing “life-sustaining social services.” JASA’s 22 senior centers across the city host events such as lectures, college-level courses and advocacy training. JASA’s senior center at Penn South in Manhattan recently hosted 12 weeks of dance provided by instructors with the AileyDance for Active Seniors program. JASA offered members the opportunity to learn about the legacy of Alvin Ailey while experiencing, first-hand, his iconic choreography from dances such as “Revelations.”
212.273.5200
SAGE NYC (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders)SAGE works to support and advocate for LGBT seniors. Their Manhattan centers, located in Harlem and Midtown, offer programs including daily cultural and social events, free or low-cost meals, support groups, as well as health, financial, and social services. They also have special programs geared towards providing support for elders who are veterans and those living with HIV/AIDS.
212-741-2247
92Y Himan Brown Senior ProgramMembers of the Himan Brown Program gain access to a number of weekly classes with topics including “fitness, bridge and chess instruction, art, music, literature, writing, technology, dance, drama and current events, as well as discussion groups and language conversation circles.” Members also enjoy discounted tickets to 92Y events. Annual membership is $700.
212-415-5633
DOROTThe nonprofit organization DOROT, whose goal is to “alleviate social isolation and provide concrete services to older adults,” offers many programs available to New York elders. These include delivered meals, transportation, transitional housing, visits from volunteers, as well as weekly classes and events. The organization places a particular emphasis on intergenerational connection.
212–769–2850
Fresh Food for SeniorsAs part of a program initiated by Gale Brewer, the Manhattan borough president, seniors can receive a bag of local fresh fruits and vegetables for only $8. Every two weeks, seniors can purchase and pick up their bag at a participating senior center or Speaker Corey Johnson’s office.
www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov/issues/senior-food-program
212-564-7757
TRANSPORTATION
Access-A-Ride (AAR)A ride-sharing service for disabled New Yorkers, Access-A-Ride provides door-to-door service as well as trips to and from NYC subway or bus stops. AAR operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
Reduced Fare MetroCardSenior citizens over 65 and people with (qualifying) disabilities can apply for a reduced fare MetroCard and ride NYC subways and buses at half price.
new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/subway-bus-and-staten-island-railway/reduced-fare-metrocard
718-330-1234
Accessible DispatchIf Uber and Access-A-Ride had a baby, it would be Accessible Dispatch. Either call, book online, or download the app to request a ride and Accessible Dispatch will instantly connect you to the nearest accessible taxi. Now available in all five boroughs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
646-599-9999
Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD)People with disabilities can apply for a permit to enjoy special parking privileges, such as being able to park in any metered parking space free of charge as well as any “No Parking” space regardless of hours.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Visions — Services for the Blind and Visually ImpairedVisions is a nonprofit that “helps individuals who are blind or experience vision loss.” Their senior center offers social services, such as support groups and workshops, and health and wellness programming, including a book club, hot meals and computer classes.
212-625-1616
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)“HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support, and advocacy.” Their New York City chapter meets the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 40 East 35th Street.
accessibledispatch.org
http://www.hearinglossnyc.org
212-769-HEAR (4327)
Lighthouse GuildLighthouse guild is an organization “dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss.” They do this by coordinating medical care for eye health and engaging in advocacy.
250 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023
800-284-4422
HOUSING
Home SharingA program of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens, Home Sharing matches older New Yorkers (60+) with housemates. When matched, both people “benefit from reduced housing costs and the possibility of companionship to offset the isolation and loneliness experienced by many living alone.”
212-962-7559
Project Open House
Project Open House works to serve disabled New Yorkers by removing architectural barriers in their homes. Services include widening doorways, converting steps to ramps and installing accessible fixtures. To see if you’re eligible and apply, visit their website.
Emotional Support Animals in HousingDisabled New Yorkers with emotional support animals to accommodate those disabilities can live with their animals despite building pet policy. Housing providers cannot discriminate on the basis of disability and must allow support animals. Visit the website below to see the NYC Commission on Human Rights’ fact sheet on the issue.
Click Here to download the Fact Sheet
718-722-3131
HEALTH
GetCoveredNYCGetCoveredNYC assists New Yorkers in person, in their language, and for free, in enrolling in health care coverage that is right for them.
Service Program for Older People (SPOP)SPOP is an organization dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of elders. Their services include counseling, bereavement support, substance abuse support, and therapy for caregivers. Counseling is provided in-home for those with disabilities and offered in multiple languages.
212-787-7120
302 West 91st St., New York, NY 10024
Alzheimer’s Association — NYC ChapterThe Alzheimer’s Association is a health organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s through research, caring for those with the disease and reducing the risk of dementia by promoting brain health. Their NYC chapter hosts support groups and free workshops for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and families.
Chapter Phone Number: 646-418-4466
Helpline: 800-272-3900
LEGAL ASSISTANCE Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) — Elderly Project
Designed to serve low-income New Yorkers 60 and older, VOLS’ Elderly Project provides pro-bono legal service. Their services include “direct counseling on critical issues involving housing, government benefits, and consumer debt, and the drafting and execution of wills, powers of attorney, and other essential life-planning documents.”
www.volsprobono.org/projects/elderly-project
212-966-4400