By Harriet Flehinger
I’ve been writing an occasional column for two years about what I call “Aging in Action” which is “Aging In Place” for those of us who really hate to stay still for long periods of time. There’s a great Yiddish word for this “spilkes” which literally translate to “ants in your pants.” I prefer to think of this as being restless and always looking for new things to do and learn. Why am I telling you this?
I am a HUGE cheerleader for staying in New York City (particularly the Upper West Side with its network of parks, food stores, medical facilities, and discounted cultural offerings) as we grow old. We can indulge our inner “spilkes” and stay as busy as we would like. Of course, among the biggest draws are not having to maintain a lawn, paint a house AND not having to drive a car to get a pint of ice cream. I use ice cream as an example because I understand life’s priorities.
Finally, the mainstream media has caught up with me. The front page of the real estate section of The New York Times, on Sunday August 14th features A Rocking Chair Called Manhattan.
The article interviews various seniors from 65 – 94 who have chosen to stay in Manhattan as they age. A few are staying in shape by climbing flights of stairs to a walk-up, but most value the security of a doorman building. Many have lived in the same apartment for 30 years or more. Others are recent arrivals from the suburbs that lived here in their youth, moved to the suburbs to raise families, and have now returned to the excitement the City offers. Already, 6.2% of Manhattanites are over 75, and that percentage is bound to increase. Most land on the Upper West or Upper East Sides.
Programs such as Age-Friendly New York City, New York Foundation for Senior Citizens Home Sharing Program, Project FIND, DOROT, and The Actor’s Fund’s Senior Care Program are explained in great detail in the article.
You may already be of an age to need these services. Don’t be afraid to ask.
You may also be at the age where you can volunteer your time or donate resources to help these programs expand and grow. The over-65 population of NYC is expected to double to almost 20% of the City by 2030, according to Age Friendly NYC.
Do your part to help now and reap the benefits later in your life.
