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These older New Yorkers are beating the heat by visiting their local cooling center and staying safe from COVID-19 by social distancing with face coverings.
Beat the Summer Heat
For older New Yorkers, extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous and cause heat illness and death. On extremely hot days, it's important to drink plenty of water, take tepid showers, stay inside with air conditioning. For those without air conditioning, the City has more than 230 public cooling centers across the five boroughs.
All cooling centers are taking extra precautions to protect New Yorkers, including operating at limited capacity, following social distancing guidelines, and providing hand sanitizer and free face coverings. Some senior centers in DFTA's network are operating as cooling centers during heat emergencies, open exclusively to adults over the age of 60.
The City is also distributing free air conditioners to low-income older adults to help them stay cool in their homes. To date, more than 48,000 air conditioners have been installed. Another program to help New Yorkers beat the heat is the Cooling Assistance benefit, now extended through August 30, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800.
Get more information and learn tips at www.nyc.gov/BeatTheHeat
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A Message from the Commissioner
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Summertime in New York City is a test to us all, but for older New Yorkers it's a matter of safety. Heat can pose a dangerous threat and the same older adults who are vulnerable to extreme heat, are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
While the City does its part to keep older New Yorkers safe during extreme heat, by opening cooling centers, distributing air conditioners, and more, I call upon every New Yorkers to help on a local level. Reach out to your older friends, family members, and neighbors to make sure they are safe and staying cool. Check to make sure that they are turning on their air conditioner and drinking plenty of water, even if they don't feel thirsty.
New Yorkers are known to take care of each other, and during this unprecedented time, we must continue to activate our inner-good Samaritan and lead by example. As the City works to reopen, it is important that we continue staying safe, healthy, and connected with each other. 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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Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
To help older adults purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, our Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Participants receive coupons that they can use at participating farmers' markets and farm stands. Paula from Midtown Manhattan has already received and used her coupons to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply online or call Aging Connect at (212) 244 - 6469.
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Combating Ageism in the Workplace
Age discrimination permeates employment spaces, and whether "too old" or "too young," ageism is all too prevalent. Older workers are particularly at risk of being pushed out of long-term positions. As of April 2020, unemployment rates for workers fifty-five and older jumped from 3.3% to 13.6%. The NYC Commission on Human Rights recently released new legal enforcement guidance on age discrimination in the workplace. Read the full guidance document.
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Updates and Announcements
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Getting a COVID-19 test is easy, safe, and free. By getting tested, you can help protect your older friends, neighbors, and loved ones stay safe, and stop the spread of COVID-19 to help our city move into the next phase of opening. Find a testing site near you: www.nyc.gov/covidtest
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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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The HEAP Cooling Assistance program provides a free air conditioner or fan, plus installation, for a cost of up to $800. The application period has been extended to August. For eligibility requirements and information on how to apply visit HRA’s Access NYC website.
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Only half of New York City households have completed the census so far. The Census is simple questions and the more New Yorkers who fill out the census, the more money we get for education, housing and even healthcare as part of COVID-19 recovery. All you need is your address. There are no questions about immigration or citizenship and all responses are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone. Visit my2020census.gov to complete your census today.
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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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