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AARP NY Unveils “Blueprint for Action for Nassau County”

Publication offers recommendations for lawmakers and policymakers to tackle challenges facing older Long Islanders

AARP

Published February 23, 2026

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NEW YORK – AARP New York today released “Blueprint for Action,” a comprehensive policy guide with recommendations, from supporting caregivers to affordable housing, to help elected officials tackle important issues facing older Nassau County residents.

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said: “This blueprint is a roadmap for Nassau County that makes clear that age-friendly investments are both economically smart and socially transformative. By bolstering caregivers, expanding accessible housing, and improving street safety, Long Island can secure meaningful economic gains, while creating stronger, more sustainable communities for residents of every age.”

The economic case for implementing these policies is compelling. Family caregivers on Long Island provide an estimated $5.7 billion (2023 AARP Survey) worth of unpaid care annually, yet they face significant financial strain and limited support.

Nassau County’s economy significantly benefits from the unpaid labor of family caregivers, but it also incurs substantial costs when caregivers remain unsupported. 42% of Long Island voters ages 40 and older identifying as current (11%) or former (31%) caregivers, Nassau County’s estimated 500,000 caregivers uncompensated care contributes to the total of $39 billion to New York’s annual value.

New York’s 50-plus population creates an enormous economic impact and will drive economic growth for the next 30 years. The 50-plus population contribution to GDP is forecast to reach $2.2 trillion in 2050—over 45% of the state’s projected GDP—when people 50-plus will account for 41% of the population.

Yet, the most recent AARP Livability Index confirms that Nassau County rated below average for housing opportunities, while other areas such as transportation and health rated well.

With 41% of its population ages 50 or older, there is significant demand for housing that accommodates aging in place. A 2025 statewide survey found that four out of five Long Islanders believe it is important to be able to stay in their own homes as they grow older.

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Key recommendations from this guide include:

Prioritizing support for family caregivers, who are the backbone of the long-term care system, providing over $600 billion in unpaid care, such as with paid leave, tax credits, and other mechanisms to address health and financial needs.
Funding county-level services such as home-delivered meals, personal care, and transportation to medical appointments.
Investing in all aspects of Home-and-Community-Based Services infrastructure, including enhanced support and training for home health aides, improved access to and usage of medical devices and equipment, and updates to essential Medicaid regulations and payment models.
Developing a tax credit for universal visitability for either new or retrofitted primary residences that are universally designed to be accessible and adaptable, assisting individuals in aging in place.
Committing to a robust Complete Streets implementation plan through funding, appropriate staffing, and project prioritization.
Prioritizing Extremely Low-Income (ELI) & Senior Housing. Utilize federal and state funds while including Universal Design principles.
Implementing a mandatory pre-filing mediation process that requires landlords to initiate county-mediated negotiations at least 30 days before filing eviction proceedings.

AARP staff and volunteers will meet with leaders across Nassau County to discuss policy solutions and push for increased support and attention to the issues and recommendations outlined in the blueprint.

The Nassau blueprint is available here.

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: 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. 