New York City Focuses on Becoming More Senior-Friendly

Add comment August 10th, 2010

According to a recent article in the New York Times, New York City’s elderly population is sharply increasing, and city planners have responded with a new initiative that reflects the specific needs of the city’s senior citizens. The initiative’s architects are developing creative ways to make the city a safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable place for seniors to reside.

Some of the proposed improvements to seniors’ quality-of-life include: more time to cross the street; organized grocery store trips; offering more innovative programs at senior centers; and the creation of aging-improvement districts. The goal of aging-improvement districts is to form a public-private partnership that will encourage business owners to adopt more elderly-friendly practices, such as providing public restrooms, extra benches, and more lighting for seniors’ benefit.

City officials have also begun to hold town hall meetings and focus groups to hear from seniors directly as to how the city can better accommodate its elderly residents.

These potential improvements to services should permit more seniors to age in place.  These developments make it even more important to consider advance directives and planning for the astronomical costs of long-term care.  Elder law attorneys at Lamson & Cutner, P.C., are committed to improving seniors’ quality-of-life and are dedicated to supporting the elderly.  Call 1 (866) 524-1818 to speak with an Elder Law attorney at Lamson & Cutner, P.C., so you can best prepare for your future.

Aging In Place

1 comment August 4th, 2010

Retirement communities and assisted living facilities continue to be developed in New York and many other states.  However luxurious many of them may be, most seniors want to live out their lives in familiar surroundings.  AARP estimates that 9 out of 10 Americans over 60 would prefer to stay in their own homes, as opposed to a retirement community or institutional setting.

This preference, however, must be squared with the practical issues and problems of staying at home as old age and declining health start to interfere with activities of daily living.  For example, climbing stairs may become burdensome or wheelchair access may have to be considered.

Seniors who want to stay where they are and remain a vital part of their communities need to start looking into organizations and community groups that will provide support of all kinds, such as transportation assistance and meal delivery programs.  It may also be the right time to consult an Elder Law Attorney, to find out how to build a financial fortress around your assets and income, so that your lifestyle and dignity will not be destroyed or compromised by the ruinous costs of long-term care.