Sr. Center Modernization Plan Goes Back To Drawing Board

A proposal put forth by the Department for the Aging to revamp senior center programs across the five boroughs will be re-evaluated by the city, it was announced last Friday, Dec. 19.

In an agreement reached with Bloomberg administration officials and the City Council, the proposed reform of the $117 million senior center program—aimed at strengthening and improving senior services and preparing for the needs of future elderly residents of the city—will be re-examined by the new commissioner of the DFTA, Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, upon her confirmation to the position.

The announcement was made last Friday during a press conference at City Hall by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Aging Commissioner-designate Barrios- Paoli, and City Council members Maria del Carmen Arroyo, who chairs the Aging Committee, and James Vacca, chair of the Subcommittee on Senior Centers.

It was noted that the administration and the Council agree on the concept of modernization, which intends to offer a comprehensive health and wellness program aimed at promoting and improving social, physical and mental fitness.

"Our plan to re-evaluate will allow newly appointed Commissioner Barrios-Paoli to take a fresh look at our modernization plan," said Deputy Mayor Gibbs. "Lilliam and I will consult with the City Council and our community partners to ensure we are creating the best possible services for the largest number of seniors."

"I want to thank Deputy Mayor Gibbs and Commissioner Designee Barrios-Paoli for working with the Council, and for listening to the city's hundreds of senior centers and thousands of older New Yorkers who responded to this plan," Speaker Quinn added. "As New York City's older population continues to grow, we must grow with them, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Designee Barrios-Paoli to develop and implement a comprehensive and workable plan for senior services."

The DFTA runs more than 300 senior centers citywide. According to the Mayor's office, only two percent of the city's 1.3 million seniors actually attend a senior center on a given day.

As a result, close to one million meals are not served annually and the majority of seniors are not taking advantage of programs offered by the agency.

Under the city's plan, centers would not only offer meals and a comprehensive support system, but also include disease prevention programs, exercise classes, opportunities for volunteerism and civic engagement activities.

Enhancements made to services provided for seniors was intended to result in more seniors being served, providing more options without a loss of services to seniors.

It was noted that the city will continue to work with stakeholders to answer questions, resolve concerns and ensure transparency in its efforts to provide enhanced services for seniors.