There are more than 4.6 million adults ages 60 and over in New York. By 2030, this population is expected to reach 5.3 million. Older adults make significant contributions to the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of our state and deserve to age with dignity and independence. Consider giving to these groups that support the needs of older adults, who have given so much to our region.
Supporting Accessibility and Community
Many older adults are continuing to work or volunteer and pursue independent, active lifestyles. Access to programs and community can help support independent living, participation in meaningful activities, and social engagement. These groups are working to ensure that older New Yorkers can fully participate in all that the region has to offer.
Dances for a Variable Population provides free dance programs to older adults of varying abilities to improve their mental and physical health, strengthen social connections, and enhance their quality of life. Programs take place year-round in senior centers, parks, and other public spaces across the city.
Encore Community Services provides a safe and welcoming environment for older adults . Encore’s services include meals, social engagement activities, financial education, and housing.
JBI International operates the world’s largest library of accessible Jewish-interest texts, audio books, Braille titles, and print publications. The organization serves visually impaired older adults and others with vision loss. It works with service and cultural institutions to make its offerings more accessible and help more older adults participate in social activities.
Promoting Health and Wellness
New Yorkers ages 85 and over are the city’s fastest growing population. People in this age group tend to have extensive health care needs, but they often also face increasing obstacles to accessing quality physical and behavioral health care. This is especially true for those living in poverty. Helping older adults navigate the complexities of the health care system, access mental health resources, and receive the medical care they need can help them thrive physically and emotionally. These nonprofits are working to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care and services for all older adults.
Service Program for Older People is the city’s only community mental health agency with a mission to serve older adults. Services are provided in English, Spanish, French, Creole, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean. In addition to direct patient care, SPOP is licensed to provide continuing education to social workers and is an expert on geriatric mental health.
Founded in 1886 as the first settlement house in the United States, University Settlement Society of New York provides social services to 40,000 New Yorkers annually, including older adult clients, the majority of whom are Chinese and Latinx immigrants. The nonprofit offers home-based individualized support for homebound older adults and employs a multilingual team of trained counselors and social workers.
LONG ISLAND: EAC Network is the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in Nassau County. As a social service agency, its team can act as guardians for older Long Islanders, and its senior centers provide warm meals, exercise classes, and social activities
Advocating for Older Adults
Older adults and the nonprofits that serve them must often address ageism and discrimination that limit older adults’ opportunities and minimize their contributions. The following organizations educate service providers, city agencies, and other community organizations on needs of older adults and advocate for better policies that prioritize this growing population. Affordable housing is among the most urgent of these issues in recent years.
LiveOn NY is a leading voice on issues critical to older adults, and the membership organization for more than 100 of New York City’s nonprofit aging services providers. It encourages policymakers and the public to prioritize older adults’ concerns, address ageism, and increase funding for senior services, including addressing the affordable housing crisis.
SAGE is one of the nation’s most prominent organizations focused on LGBTQ+ aging issues. The organization advocates for policies that protect and expand the rights of older LGBTQ+ people. SAGE also provides a range of direct health and social services, and in 2019, opened the first affordable housing developments in New York State for LGBTQ+ older adults.
WESTCHESTER: Westchester Residential Opportunities is dedicated to promoting equal, affordable, and accessible housing opportunities for all residents in the Lower Hudson Valley. Its Aging in Place Home Repair Program provides home assessments and repair assistance and modifications. It also advocates for policies that support creating and preserving livable communities for people of all ages.
This list is not exhaustive. There are many incredible nonprofits helping make our region a better place for all; we seek to highlight a few that may not be on your radar, but please reach out to our philanthropic advising department at advising@thenytrust.org if you would like recommendations tailored to your charitable goals.
