More than 500 Residents Took Part in Demonstrations Designed to Promote Active Lifestyles
Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Department for the Aging joined by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health + Hospitals and a host of other public and private sector organizations today held a comprehensive Healthy Aging Fair for older New Yorkers at Asphalt Green, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Over 500 residents from across the city attended to participate in a day filled with free screenings, activities, and demonstrations designed to promote healthy and active lifestyles, and help them confidently age in place. More than sixty exhibitors offered classes including cooking, dance and yoga, as well as the opportunity to ask health professionals medical and prescription drug advice, and free blood pressure, hearing, and dental screenings.
The event took place during national Falls Prevention Awareness Week, designed to educate older adults about the dangers of falling and how to prevent related injuries. Participating organizations distributed educational materials and resources on how to prevent falls at home, during activities, and while running errands, to support their well-being and continue living independently.
“Older adults are the foundation of so many families and communities across the city” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Today’s Healthy Aging Fair showcased the vibrancy of this community as well as resources and supports for older adults, caregivers, and family members. Ultimately, our administration is committed to delivering what New Yorkers need to thrive at every age. Congratulations to NYC Aging and all their partners on a wonderful event.”
“The Healthy Aging Fair highlighted the wide range of resources the city offers to support New Yorkers and their caregivers, and how easily accessible they are, regardless of where you live or your culture or heritage,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “By partnering with our colleagues in government and the private sector, residents experienced firsthand the community-care model we implement every day. If residents want to learn how to access aging services and resources, they can call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) for more information.”
“We want New Yorkers to have more years in their lives as well as more life in those years,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “But what does health really look like? In practice, it is events like these. It is staying up to date on screenings, it is learning healthy recipes, and it is staying active. It is also joyful, with dancing, celebration, and togetherness. I am so happy to partner with the Department for the Aging to promote and even celebrate health.”
“New York City is a great place to grow old, and the City’s public health care system is proud to support the Healthy Aging Fair,” said NYC H+H President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Everyone knows that we take care of all New Yorkers without exception, and the screenings and activities today are a great first step to accessing care that everyone deserves. I want to thank Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez for her commitment to older New Yorkers, and to ensuring they have the information and resources to make important decisions about their health.”
“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and prioritizing healthy aging ensures they thrive. Cannabis NYC was proud to join today’s Healthy Aging Fair to provide information about the state’s medical cannabis program, educating older New Yorkers about the potential health benefits of cannabis to support their well-being,” said Cannabis NYC Founding Director Dasheeda Dawson. “We also encouraged those interested in exploring new opportunities to consider employment and entrepreneurship in the expanding legal cannabis industry. As this sector grows, Cannabis NYC will continue working to ensure that older adults and all New Yorkers can reap the health and economic benefits of cannabis legalization.”
“At GrowNYC, we’re thrilled to partner with the New York City Department of Aging to provide educational resources that connect our city’s older adults with regional agriculture and increase their access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables” said Daneille Foster-Russell, director of education, GrowNYC.
“At Asphalt Green, our mission is to transform lives and build community through sports, fitness, and play for all. We help bring older adults together in community and help them to live healthier lives. We are grateful for partners such as the Department for the Aging in helping make this possible,” said Jordan Brackett, chief executive officer, Asphalt Green. “We are proud to host this year’s Healthy Aging Fair, an event that will showcase how Asphalt Green and other health and wellness organizations build community for our city’s older adults.”
“We are proud to support NYC Department of Aging in promoting health and wellness through a focus on important prevention activities to continuously improve health outcomes in the communities where we serve our members. Humana is committed to achieving the best health for seniors and events such as these make the most direct impact to that goal” said Vaishali Patel regional vice president, operations, Humana Inc.
