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AARP New York’s new Blueprints for Nassau and Suffolk Counties

AARP

Published February 12, 2026

A fall sunset over a Long Island town in NY with Manhasset bay in the background

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Long Island stands at a demographic crossroads. With 41% of the population being ages 50 and older, these communities face both challenges and economic opportunities. These policy roadmaps illustrate how targeted policies and age-friendly initiatives yield substantial economic returns while enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages throughout Long Island.

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.

Nearly 45% of Suffolk’s older adults have no retirement savings, and 9.6% of older residents over 70 do not receive Social Security income—a critical gap in the nation’s primary safety net. Even more concerning, 45% of Suffolk’s older adults report no retirement income from any other source.

Nearly 46% of Nassau’s older adults report no retirement income from any other source, 45% of Nassau’s seniors have no retirement savings, and 11.2% of older residents over 70 do not receive Social Security income.

The roadmaps also present evidence-based economic arguments for implementing age-friendly policies on Long Island. By supporting caregivers, creating accessible housing, developing safer streets, establishing housing trust funds, and preventing evictions, Long Island can cultivate economically advantageous positions that foster vibrant and fiscally sustainable communities for all residents.

Through implementing age-friendly policies that support caregivers, expand accessible housing, and strengthen community infrastructure, Long Island can leverage its demographic shift into economic advantage—building a more prosperous, sustainable region for all generations while addressing the critical retirement insecurity affecting nearly half of its older residents.

“AARP NY Blueprint for Action: Nassau County” is available online. Click to download a copy of the publication.

“AARP NY Blueprint for Action: Suffolk County” is available online. Click to download a copy of the publication.

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