Legislature urged to address needs of New York’s growing senior population

As the number of maturing baby boomers continues to grow nationally, hundreds of advocates in New York state gathered in Albany on to request that lawmakers “Step up for Seniors” by making older residents a budget priority, according to a report from WBNG News on February 7th, 2017.

“The growing population of older New Yorkers should get everyone’s attention,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D), who chairs the New York State Assembly Aging Committee. “We need to ensure that adequate services are in place for those who want to remain in their homes for as long as possible; providing critical services for those in need. We also need to acknowledge that seniors want to stay actively engaged in their communities for as long as possible. Aging services and programs need to be prioritized in this year’s budget.”

According to Lupardo, the State Office for the Aging is facing the largest cut of any state agency at almost five percent. She and her colleague, New York State Senate Aging Committee Chair Senator Sue Serino (R), called for more investments in community services to support the elderly, such as meal delivery, transportation, in-home health and elder abuse prevention.

Some funders in the aging field are paying close attention to state budgets, and recognize a growing gap. One Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC, (ACS) client, the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York (HFWCNY), understands this gap and works for lasting change in health and health care across western and central New York with a special focus on young children, older adults and the systems serving them.  To learn more about how ACS works with clients like HFWCNY, click here.

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