CSCS: Council of Senior Centers and Services of NYC, Inc.

Among the senior service initiatives funded by the City Council during this budget season is $1 million for the new Healthy Aging Initiative, a program promoting wellness and disease prevention for older New Yorkers. Healthy aging programs are designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, early disease detection, falls prevention, health screenings, daily exercise, and chronic disease management.

This innovative initiative will fund pilot demonstration programs in senior centers to help older adults remain healthy and independent. Such programs lower the risk of social isolation and decrease long-term care and hospitalization costs. Successful efforts in other states have featured education and exercise to prevent falls, cholesterol screening and awareness campaigns, addiction education and prevention, and behavioral modification to monitor chronic disease. Some senior centers have already begun to provide such programs.

In order to apply for these funds, you must contact your Council Member as soon as possible. Of the 51 Council districts, 33 are eligible for funding. Since there is only $1 million citywide, City Council decided to determine which districts would receive funds, $_____, based on the percentage of residents over 65 in each district. Please see the attached list to see whether your district is eligible for funding.

For further information, please contact Bobbie Sackman, (212) 398-6565, x226 or bsackman@cscs-ny.org

Healthy Aging Districts