AARP NY Urges Action as NYC’s 65+ Population Soars by 53% in Two Decades

ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today on State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s report on New York City’s soaring population of residents 65 and older:

“We thank Comptroller DiNapoli and his staff for their eye-opening report that verifies what we’ve been telling New York’s elected leaders for years: the city’s older adult population is its fast-growing by far, and steps must be taken now to ensure that people receive the services and support they need to age safely and with dignity in their communities.

 “As the report points out, New York City’s population of residents 65-plus grew by 53% over the past two decades and is more diverse than ever before. We agree with the comptroller’s conclusion that ‘a special focus on reaching seniors in multiple communities and languages is needed.’

 “The city’s Department for the Aging has adjusted in recent years to address the challenges of providing services for a rapidly aging population. But much more needs to be done at the state and local level, from making the city more affordable for older adults to improving access to vital in-home services that allow aging people to remain in their homes.

 “The same holds true for the rest of the state outside New York City. According to the Center for an Urban Future, this state is home to nearly 3.6 million residents age 65 and older. That’s more than the entire population of 21 states. From 2012 to 2022, the number of New Yorkers age 65-plus grew by an incredible 30% percent, an increase of nearly 812,000 older adults. Today, nearly 1 in 5 New Yorkers is 65 and above (18%), a larger share of the state’s population than ever before.

“State and New York City leaders must ensure their budgets reflect the reality of our aging population and include adequate funding for services older New Yorkers need. All New Yorkers deserve to age in place with dignity and support after a lifetime of contributing to our communities.”

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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