Yesterday, Lisa Elder, State Policy Manager at Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), attended an event hosted by the Lower East Side Inter-Agency Council (LESIAC) at the Grand Street Settlement – Essex Crossing Community Center. The gathering focused on the critical topic of aging services in New York City, featuring a special presentation by Ryan A. Murray, the Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer for the New York City Department for the Aging. His insights highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing needs of older adults while also underscoring the gaps that still need to be addressed.
One of the most compelling points Ryan made was the unprecedented growth in New York City’s older adult population. Over the past decade, the number of New Yorkers aged 65 and older has increased by 36%, with 1.8 million older adults now in New York City. Older adults in NYC are more likely to live alone, suffer from frailty, and experience higher rates of poverty compared to the U.S. national average. As a result, they face heightened risks of food insecurity, limited access to family caregivers, and restricted employment and transportation opportunities. The need for protection from age discrimination compounds this vulnerability.
The urgency for more coordination and available services for older adults cannot be overstated. Failing to invest in these services jeopardizes the independence and health of older adults and places immense pressure on family caregivers. Moreover, underinvestment in older adult services can significantly affect mental health outcomes, leading to loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
We are deeply committed to addressing these challenges at Vibrant through our Older Adult Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program. This program, specifically designed to meet the needs of adults aged 50 and older who are living with serious mental health disorders, provides a sense of reassurance and confidence. Our service areas include housing support, assistance with social relationships, access to health visits and education, medication management, money management, and relapse prevention.
Events like yesterday’s LESIAC gathering remind us of the critical importance of collaboration. By working together—across organizations, city agencies, and communities—we can ensure that older New Yorkers receive the support and respect they deserve. This collaborative effort brings hope and optimism for a better future for our older adult population. Vibrant is proud to be part of this effort, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for policies and programs that uplift and empower the older adult population.