New York City Council
Committee on Aging
Feb 27, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 57 min
Summary
A hearing on the needs of immigrant and older adults in New York City, focusing on the growth of the aging immigrant population and the urgency for increased support and investment in services to allow aging with dignity and in community. Discussions highlighted affordable housing, access to culturally competent healthcare, social isolation, mental health struggles, language barriers, and the need for more data to inform policy and improve services. Features testimony from NYC Department of the Aging, community organizations, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Crystal Hudson Opens Joint Hearing on the Needs of Immigrant and Older Adults
Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the Committee on Aging, launches a joint hearing with the Committee on Immigration to discuss the needs of immigrant and older adults in New …
0:00:30
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5 min
Council Member Alexa Avilés Opens Joint Hearing on Older Immigrant Adult Needs in NYC
Council Member Alexa Avilés leads a comprehensive review on the vital needs and challenges of older immigrant adults in New York City, - Avilés highlights the significant growth of the …
0:05:58
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5 min
Anya Herasme, Associate Commissioner at New York City Department for the Aging, on Services for NYC's Immigrant Older Adults
Anya Herasme discusses the enhancement of culturally competent services for immigrant older adults by the NYC Department for the Aging. - Describes the tailored services for older adults, including meals, …
0:11:44
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10 min
How does NYC Aging collaborate with the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to serve older immigrant New Yorkers?
NYC Aging and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) collaborate to serve older immigrant New Yorkers through various programs and initiatives. - NYC Aging works with MOIA within the …
0:22:23
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73 sec
What does NYC Aging project about the growth of the foreign born older adult population?
The New York City Department for the Aging does not provide specific projections for the future foreign born older adult population, but anticipates greater diversity. - The Department relies on …
0:23:36
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103 sec
How has NYC Aging and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) adapted services for a changing demographic?
The NYC Department for the Aging and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) have adjusted their services and programming to better serve diverse elderly communities by identifying the language …
0:25:21
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59 sec
How has NYC Aging adjusted its services to accommodate the demographic changes across boroughs?
New York City Department for the Aging has adapted its services to meet the changing demographic needs, focusing on the growth of the older immigrant population. - The department requires …
0:26:21
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70 sec
How is the city improving safety net access for older immigrant adults?
The NYC Department for the Aging acknowledges gaps in federal benefits for older immigrants and leverages city services to fill some needs. - Gaps in federal benefits for older immigrants …
0:27:31
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83 sec
How does the New York City Department for the Aging conduct advocacy, and which agencies are they coordinating with?
The New York City Department for the Aging engages in advocacy at the state and federal levels, coordinating primarily with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and other agencies based on …
0:28:55
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85 sec
How has the cabinet for older New Yorkers impacted services for older immigrant New Yorkers?
Miguel Santana emphasizes the cabinet's instrumental role in improving collaboration among agencies to support older immigrant New Yorkers. - The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) views the cabinet as …
0:30:23
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49 sec
What does language access look like at older adult centers?
All older adult centers are required to have language access services to assist any individual in their preferred language. - Older adult centers are mandated to provide language access services, …
0:31:13
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63 sec
What culturally competent programming is available at older adult centers and how are culturally aligned meals determined?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme discusses culturally competent programming and meal determination at older adult centers, emphasizing client input and diversity. - Celebrations of cultural events, like Lunar New Year and …
0:32:17
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105 sec
How have collaborative efforts improved services for immigrant communities in NYC?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) has improved services for immigrant communities through enhanced outreach, including NYC Care program improvements and partnerships with community organizations and sister agencies. - …
0:34:06
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5 min
Does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) have data on where older immigrant New Yorkers reside?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) confirms they use American Community Survey data for insights, but are cautious with personal data due to privacy concerns. - MOIA's priority is …
0:40:07
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83 sec
How does DIFTA support South Asian seniors beyond holiday celebrations?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme describes DIFTA's expectation for cultural competency in programs serving South Asian seniors, mentioning India Home as a key provider. - All programs are expected to be …
0:42:01
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68 sec
How is the Department for the Aging identifying new partners like India Home to serve in Brooklyn?
Council Member Shahana K. Hanif inquires about the Department for the Aging's process for identifying new partners and providing support to them, using India Home as an example, to better …
0:43:12
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41 sec
How are anti-Asian violence and its impact on seniors being addressed?
The New York City Department for the Aging outlines initiatives to combat anti-Asian violence and support elder safety, including community conversations, elder justice programs, and NYPD collaboration. - The department …
0:43:59
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101 sec
How are incidents of attacks on seniors being reported and addressed in the NYPD program?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme acknowledges the lack of specific data on crimes reported by seniors in the NYPD program but outlines the goals and coverage of elder justice programs. - …
0:45:43
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104 sec
What methods does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) use to understand the needs of older immigrant New Yorkers, and what are their findings?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) employs data collection methods such as an event request link and the Asymoria hotline to understand the needs of older immigrant New Yorkers, …
0:47:31
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8 min
How does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) identify and assist older immigrant New Yorkers with legal issues, and how has this approach changed?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) utilizes direct outreach and community engagement to identify and assist older immigrant New Yorkers with legal issues, adjusting strategies over recent years to …
0:55:48
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5 min
How does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) assess its service efficacy and address diverse immigrant needs?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs assesses service efficacy through hotline and email inquiries, and addresses diverse immigrant needs by hiring multilingual staff and conducting field outreach. - Over 4000 …
1:01:39
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5 min
How is MOIA addressing poverty among older immigrant adults?
MOIA addresses poverty among older immigrant adults by connecting them to appropriate services and fostering partnerships with federal, state, and city agencies. - MOIA focuses on connecting immigrants to suitable …
1:07:29
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3 min
How does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) address older immigrant adult needs in housing and vouchers?
Collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and other city agencies helps address housing needs of older immigrant adults, but challenges in segmentation and focus persist. - MOIA …
1:10:41
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4 min
What are the trends regarding housing issues for older adults across different boroughs?
Penney Vachiraprapun indicates that the Department for the Aging does not track housing issues for older adults referred to HRA, including those related to vouchers. - Council Member Alexa Avilés …
1:15:41
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44 sec
How is the tracking of older immigrant adults facing eviction managed, and who is responsible?
The New York City Department for the Aging tracks the outcomes of eviction cases for older immigrant adults but does not keep detailed records due to confidentiality concerns. - Legal …
1:16:33
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70 sec
How are older adults without Social Security or pensions surviving in New York City?
The New York City Department for the Aging lacks detailed information on older adults without Social Security or pensions, making it difficult to track their survival strategies. - The department …
1:17:47
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76 sec
How will budget cuts affect older immigrant adults who don't speak English?
The Department for the Aging aims to maintain service continuity for older adults despite budget cuts, but the specific impact on older immigrant adults remains unclear. - The New York …
1:19:05
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70 sec
Do grants for older immigrant adults get applied for by the Department for the Aging?
The New York City Department for the Aging acknowledges applying for grants but lacks specific information on grants for older immigrant adults. - Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme confirms that the …
1:20:15
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31 sec
How many NYC centers offer scratch-made, culturally appropriate food beyond Lenox Hill?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme acknowledges that there are a few centers providing scratch-made, culturally appropriate food, but Council Member Gale Brewer insists it is only Lenox Hill. - Anya Herasme …
1:20:47
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46 sec
How many immigrant older adults are in long-term care, and what are their challenges?
Council Member Gale Brewer questions the prevalence and challenges of immigrant older adults in long-term care. - Brewer highlights that long-term care is problematic. - Many immigrant communities underutilize long-term …
1:21:32
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39 sec
Council Member Gale Brewer advocates for more data to inform policy decisions
Council Member Gale Brewer advocates for improved data gathering to support policy making. - Gale Brewer highlights the importance of comprehensive data collection to inform policy. - Brewer calls for …
1:22:12
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33 sec
How are smaller immigrant-serving senior centers impacted by case management contract consolidation, and what steps are being taken to improve inclusivity and reduce subcontracting for culturally sensitive meals?
The New York City Department for the Aging details changes to enhance inclusivity in case management contracts and meal delivery, focusing on supporting smaller immigrant-serving centers and reducing subcontractors. - …
1:23:02
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4 min
How is the NYC Department for the Aging addressing mental health service utilization disparities among English-speaking and non-English speaking seniors?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme discusses potential consideration for including community support services in the geriatric mental health Request for Proposals (RFP) and emphasizes the importance of inclusive outreach to combat …
1:27:41
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3 min
What are the challenges faced by immigrant older adults in accessing services in New York City beyond language barriers, and how are they being addressed?
Council Member Rita Joseph and various officials discuss the barriers immigrant older adults face in accessing health and social services in New York City beyond language hurdles, emphasizing the lack …
1:30:53
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3 min
How is support provided to older immigrant adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses in NYC?
The New York City Department for the Aging offers personalized support for older adults, especially immigrants with disabilities or chronic illnesses. - Each client receives individualized support based on their …
1:34:51
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54 sec
What are the efforts to provide culturally appropriate food and disaggregate data for Asian American communities?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme outlines efforts to address dietary needs and disaggregate data for Asian American communities in NYC's aging programs. - Client input plays a crucial role in menu …
1:35:56
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3 min
Can NYC's Department for the Aging assist older adults during an elevator breakdown, and what services are offered?
The New York City Department for the Aging can provide home-delivered meals in emergency situations, such as an elevator breakdown, for older adults. - Home-delivered meals are available for eligible …
1:39:52
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4 min
What role does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) play in outreach for New York City Care?
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs' (MOIA) involvement in the outreach efforts for New York City Care. - The question seeks to clarify MOIA's …
1:42:19
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11 sec
Was New York City Care included in the roundtable discussions, and which groups are involved in the monthly roundtable?
New York City Care participated in the recent roundtable discussions, and various groups are involved in the monthly roundtable. - Deputy Commissioner Miosotis Muñoz confirms New York City Care's involvement, …
1:44:04
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61 sec
Will the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) participate in the outreach for new health insurance options for undocumented immigrants over 65, and what role does NYC Aging play?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) confirms participation in outreach efforts for new state health insurance options for undocumented immigrants over 65, detailing the approach and collaboration with NYC …
1:45:05
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108 sec
Does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) keep data on outreach event outcomes?
Miguel Santana of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) defers an answer on whether data on outreach efforts is maintained. - Council Member Alexa Avilés asks if MOIA tracks …
1:47:02
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12 sec
How does the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support older asylum seekers in shelters?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) plays a supportive role in assisting older asylum seekers in shelters but primarily defers to the NYC Office of Asylum Seekers for direct …
1:47:14
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117 sec
What actions does the New York City Department for the Aging take regarding NYC Cares?
The New York City Department for the Aging collaborates with partner agencies to disseminate important information about NYC Cares and support outreach to older adults. - Disseminates pertinent information to …
1:49:12
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68 sec
How are Moya and the Department for the Aging (DFTA) assisting homebound older immigrant adults?
The Department for the Aging (DFTA) assigns case managers to homebound older immigrant adults for more intensive assistance compared to traditional older adult center services. - Case management agencies work …
1:50:30
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52 sec
Can undocumented older adults access Access-A-Ride?
Anya Herasme, Associate Commissioner, clarifies that Access-A-Ride is not within their department, but transportation is provided for all older New Yorkers through city programs. - Access-A-Ride is identified as a …
1:51:24
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39 sec
How do MOIA and DFTA support older adults facing abuse?
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and the Department for the Aging (DFTA) use training and the Elder Justice Program to support older adults experiencing abuse in New York …
1:52:05
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138 sec
How much does NYC Aging spend on campaigns aimed at immigrant older adults?
The New York City Department for the Aging invests $2,000,000 in marketing and outreach for immigrant older adults, ensuring multi-language campaigns and provider engagement. - The Department adds $2,000,000 to …
1:54:28
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121 sec
How does NYC ensure meals are culturally competent, and what metrics are available on their distribution and cost?
The New York City Department for the Aging ensures culturally competent meals by having nutritionists monitor and approve menus to meet both nutritional and cultural requirements. - Nutritionists monitor and …
1:56:33
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46 sec
What aging programs are available in NYC for immigrant older adults, and what is their budget?
NYC provides aging programs for immigrant older adults through centers like Hamilton Madison House and the Village View and Sunnyside older adult center, but budget details will be provided later. …
1:57:19
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67 sec
How many older adults have been enrolled in NYC Care by NYC Aging, and how are case management services provided?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme indicates that specific data on NYC Care enrollments is not tracked distinctly but might be reflected in case notes without clear reporting mechanism. - Case management …
1:58:26
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84 sec
Does the New York City Department for the Aging support the legislation being discussed today?
Associate Commissioner Anya Herasme states the New York City Department for the Aging is reviewing the legislation and aims to provide detailed information to older citizens, indicating a cautious but …
1:59:50
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38 sec
Nilbia Coyote on Support and Empowerment Initiatives for Older Immigrant Adults via NICE
Nilbia Coyote, Executive Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE), discusses the organization's efforts to support older immigrant adults in New York City. - Coyote highlights the challenges faced by …
2:02:13
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4 min
Noely Reyes on Supporting Older Immigrants' Access to Services in New York City
Noely Reyes testifies about the struggles of older immigrants in New York City and Mixteca's efforts to support them. - Reyes, a Community Organizer for Mixteca, addresses the New York …
2:06:43
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150 sec
Lori Vera, Representative of Mixteca on Enhancing Healthcare Access for Immigrant Older Adults
Lori Vera advocates for immigrant older adults' healthcare access, focusing on the NYC Care program. - Vera serves as a health coordinator for Mixteca, emphasizing the importance of healthcare access …
2:09:16
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139 sec
Amreen Bhasin, Staff Attorney, Sikh Coalition on Addressing Hate Crimes Against Elderly Sikh Men
Amreen Bhasin, representing the Sikh Coalition, addresses the issue of hate crimes targeting elderly Sikh men in New York City. - Bhasin presents five recent cases of assault and verbal …
2:11:42
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134 sec
Kevin Kiprovski, Director of Public Policy at Live On New York, on the Needs of Older Immigrants in NYC
Kevin Kiprovski discusses the needs of older immigrants in NYC, focusing on mental health, anti-Asian hate, language services, literacy, housing, and remittance scams. - Live On New York's membership includes …
2:15:04
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4 min
MJ Okma on Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Older Adults, Immigrants, and Asylum Seekers
MJ Okma highlights the specialized services provided by SAGE for LGBTQ+ older adults, including those living with HIV and immigrants. - SAGE offers LGBTQ+ affirming aging services in multiple languages …
2:19:52
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144 sec
Elisa Tustian, Supervising Attorney at Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS), on Providing Legal Services to Low-Income Older New Yorkers
Elisa Tustian from Volunteers of Legal Service emphasizes the necessity of legal services for low-income New Yorkers aged 60 and above, especially for immigrants. - VOLS, established in 1984, partners …
2:22:24
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163 sec
Rachel Neches, Data Researcher at the Center for Urban Future, on the Challenges and Opportunities for Older Immigrants in New York City
Rachel Neches discusses the economic and social challenges faced by older immigrants in New York City, alongside policy recommendations. - Immigrants constitute 52.2% of New York City's older adult population, …
2:25:19
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150 sec
Kishan Rajsinghani on Support and Challenges Faced by Older Immigrants at India Home
Kishan Rajsinghani, a member of India Home, testifies on the support and challenges faced by older immigrants, advocating for more resources. - Rajsinghani shares an incident of being physically assaulted …
2:29:01
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174 sec
Maryna Lysenko, Director at Hamilton-Madison House, on Addressing the Needs of Immigrant Older Adults in NYC
Maryna Lysenko discusses the growing needs of immigrant older adults in New York City and the crucial support services required. - Testifies about the rapid growth of the immigrant senior …
2:32:01
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4 min
Ortiz Wala, Social Caseworker at Encore Community Services on the Need for Full Funding for Older Adult Centers
Ortiz Wala discusses the critical role of older adult centers in NYC and the adverse effects of budget cuts. - Wala describes diverse services provided by older adult centers, including …
2:36:28
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3 min
Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public on Addressing Crime Against Older Adults through Bail Reform Repeal
Christopher Leon Johnson criticizes the city's handling of crimes against older adults, emphasizing the role of non-profits and the need for bail reform repeal. - Johnson accents the significant issue …
2:41:08
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125 sec
Mobushin on the Parity Challenges of South Asian Older Adults in the U.S.
Mobushin, a senior member of India Home, testifies about the challenges faced by South Asian older adults in the U.S., emphasizing cultural assimilation discrepancies, housing and language access issues, and …
2:43:24
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3 min
Jane Willis on Expedited Work Permit Processes for Newcomers
Jane Willis advocates for expediting work permit processes to support skilled newcomers in New York. - Willis shares experiences with asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field and Hall Street shelters, …
2:47:25
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3 min
Xing Hui Zheng, Assistant Director at University Settlement, on the Needs of Immigrant Older Adults in New York City
Xing Hui Zheng, Assistant Director of the House And Xi Center at University Settlement, highlights the diverse needs of immigrant older adults in New York City. - Focuses on providing …
2:51:46
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130 sec
Council Member Crystal Hudson on New York City's older adult population diversity
Council Member Crystal Hudson stresses the need for better services addressing the diverse needs of New York City's older adult population. - Highlights the increasing diversity of NYC's older adult …
2:55:05
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83 sec
Council Member Alexa Avilés on investment in aging New Yorkers
Council Member Alexa Avilés stresses the need for increased support and investment in the aging population of New York City to ensure they age with dignity. - Avilés thanks Chair …
2:56:28
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55 sec