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AARP New York: NYC’s Executive Budget Falls Short for Older Adults Facing Growing Affordability Crisis
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As housing, food, and healthcare costs continue to rise — and poverty among older New Yorkers has surged by nearly 50 percent over the past decade — AARP New York calls on the Mayor and City Council to make meaningful investments in meals, older adult centers, affordable housing, and services that support aging with dignity.
NEW YORK, NY — AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement today in response to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget:
“New York City’s older adults are facing a growing affordability crisis, and this budget does not yet appear to meet the moment.
“One in five New Yorkers is age 65 or older, and poverty among older adults has surged by nearly 50 percent over the past decade. But despite this sobering reality, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) continues to receive less than one percent of the city budget. In fact, the Executive Budget reduces overall DFTA funding compared to last year, even as demand for services continues to rise.
“We appreciate the administration’s recognition that older New Yorkers need support, including investments in family caregiver services, affordable housing, nonprofit workforce stability, and expanded protections that will help more older adults qualify for SCRIE and DRIE. These are important steps in the right direction.
“But these investments are still not enough as more older adults are being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. Funding for home-delivered meals remains flat despite growing need, and many Older Adult Centers continue to struggle with deferred maintenance, staffing shortages, and limited resources.
“AARP New York calls on the Mayor and City Council to work together to ensure the enacted budget makes stronger investments in the essential services older adults rely on every day — including home-delivered meals, Older Adult Centers, affordable housing, mental health services, and support for family caregivers. These are lifelines that help people stay healthy, independent, and connected.
“Budgets reflect priorities. If New York City wants to be truly age-friendly, it must invest in the services that allow older New Yorkers to live with dignity and security.
“Older New Yorkers built this city and made it great. They deserve a city that cares for them and provides the support they need to age safely in the communities they call home.”
Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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