A Message from the Commissioner:
As the City moves into Phase II of reopening, just in time for the first day of summer, DFTA continues its work of keeping older New Yorkers active and engaged, all while helping them stay safe from COVID-19. We are currently working with the other City agencies in activating the City’s Summer Heat Plan to help all New Yorkers safe and cool. This includes distributing 74,000 free air conditioners to low-income older adults.
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We also recently launched a PSA campaign that is raising awareness about social isolation during this crisis. The campaign’s radio PSA is voiced by Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda and asks New Yorkers to limit social isolation among older adults by calling them and volunteering to our Friendly Visiting program, which pairs older New Yorkers with volunteers and is designed to limit social isolation. You can read more about the campaign below.
As we move forward in reopening the City, it is important to keep staying connected to one another and help support our elders. If you have any questions, please send me a message.
Until next month,
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
Commissioner of the NYC Department for the Aging
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Supporting Older New Yorkers During COVID-19
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Social Isolation Radio PSA Voiced by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Social isolation among older adults can lead to depression and other major health problems. Our new PSA, read by Lin-Manuel Miranda, encourages New Yorkers to call their older relatives, friends, and neighbors to help them avoid social isolation. We also encourage New Yorkers to volunteer with our Friendly Visiting program. Listen to the PSA.
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GetCool Air Conditioner Program
As we approach the Summer heat season, the City is working to ensure that older New Yorkers can safely stay at home and cool by giving 74,000 free air conditioners to low-income older adults. Another program to help New Yorkers beat the heat is the Cooling Assistance benefit, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Click here for more information.
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Virtual Programming
To help older adults stay active and engaged, many centers are offering virtual classes, including nutrition workshops, fitness programs, art classes, and more. You can call your local senior center to find out about virtual programming. Read more about how virtual programs help elderly combat pandemic-fueled loneliness from the New York Post.
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"Open Up" Campaign
Just in time for Pride Month, DFTA, in partnership with SAGE USA and SAGE Puerto Rico, launched a suicide prevention campaign focused on the older LGBT Puerto Rican community. In the months after Hurricane Maria, suicide rates in Puerto Rico reached a new high. In the older LGBT Puerto Rican community, many feel socially isolated and lack support. The campaign provides a helpline to call for support.
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Updates and Announcements
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New York City has now entered Phase One of reopening. If your business is opening in Phase One, make sure you read and affirm that you understand the guidelines. For more information, visit nyc.gov/business.
New Yorkers should continue to stay home as much as possible, but if you must go out, a face covering can help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website.
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Primary election day is June 23 and all New Yorkers with a primary election can vote by mail. #VoteSafely!
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Home is not always a safe haven.
The NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence is ready to help those experiencing domestic or gender-based violence. NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline is 1-800-621-4673. Services are free and confidential. Immigration status does NOT matter. http://nyc.gov/NYCHOPE |
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Tax Day has been extended to July 15, 2020. If you haven't filed yet and your family earned $64,000 or less (or $45,000 or less as a single filer), file your 2019 tax return safely and for free with VIRTUAL #TaxPrep! Get details at http://nyc.gov/taxprep
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You can now apply to receive SNAP from home! Using just your phone or computer web browser, you can #SkiptheTrip to apply for SNAP while staying safe and healthy inside. Visit http://nyc.gov/accesshra to apply.
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Senior centers are currently closed for congregate programming and all meals are being delivered. Older adults who are not yet enrolled for meal delivery can register to receive food by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/GetFood. |
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Want more information about DFTA services?
Visit our website or call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) for more information, including:
- DFTA services throughout the five boroughs
- How to find a senior center near you
- DFTA announcements, press releases and reports
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