As housing, food, and healthcare costs continue to rise — and poverty among older New Yorkers has surged by nearly 50 percent over the past decade — AARP New York calls on the Mayor and City Council to make meaningful investments in meals, older adult centers, affordable housing, and services that support aging with dignity.
NEW YORK, NY — AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement today in response to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget:
“New York City’s older adults are facing a growing affordability crisis, and this budget does not yet appear to meet the moment.
“One in five New Yorkers is age 65 or older, and poverty among older adults has surged by nearly 50 percent over the past decade. But despite this sobering reality, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) continues to receive less than one percent of the city budget. In fact, the Executive Budget reduces overall DFTA funding compared to last year, even as demand for services continues to rise.
“We appreciate the administration’s recognition that older New Yorkers need support, including investments in family caregiver services, affordable housing, nonprofit workforce stability, and expanded protections that will help more older adults qualify for SCRIE and DRIE. These are important steps in the right direction.
“But these investments are still not enough as more older adults are being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. Funding for home-delivered meals remains flat despite growing need, and many Older Adult Centers continue to struggle with deferred maintenance, staffing shortages, and limited resources.
“AARP New York calls on the Mayor and City Council to work together to ensure the enacted budget makes stronger investments in the essential services older adults rely on every day — including home-delivered meals, Older Adult Centers, affordable housing, mental health services, and support for family caregivers. These are lifelines that help people stay healthy, independent, and connected.