SENIORS
The senior population is the fastest growing in America. Seniors are among
our most vigorous citizens in New York City -- an estimated 1.25 million!—and
yet modern circumstances put them increasingly at risk. As Manhattan Borough
President, I will make aging issues a centerpiece of my public-private partnerships
initiative.
Almost half of the seniors in America live on only $15,000 a year.
In an era of sky-rocketing energy, housing and health care costs, more older
Americans than ever before are being forced into poverty. This does not have to be
the case in New York City or anywhere else in America.
As a board member of Encore Community Services, I’ve helped my district
succeed in meeting the increased needs of today’s seniors, including
the expansion of programs and the future construction of senior housing.
As Manhattan Borough President, I will continue to support the Seniors Advisory
Council and do the following:
Affordable Drugs
I will advocate first and foremost for drug re-importation so that seniors
have the ability to obtain affordable prescriptions. Seniors should not have
to choose between their medication and their other necessities. I will also
lobby for strict penalties against local drug vendors who would take advantage
of senior citizens.
Public Transportation
I will lobby the MTA to make accessibility to public transport, particularly
subways, a priority as the system improves and expands. So that seniors may
continue to be able to afford that access, I will work to keep transportation
fees stable and reduced for our senior citizens.
Senior Centers
|
| Manzano speaking to Bob Grogan, a World War II
Veteran |
|
As Borough President, I will personally visit each and every one of the
85 senior centers in Manhattan to investigate conditions and quality of care
so that New Yorkers with family members in assisted living can be assured
that their loved ones are well-cared for. We must also be sure that, as budgets
shift in the changing city, senior centers continue to be modernized and
programs are maintained not cut. Seniors must continue to have access to
religious services, activities, social support, information and resources.
Homebound Seniors
It will be a goal of my public/private initiative to expand both the quality
and the scope of local meals-on-wheels programs -- not only in Manhattan but,
in conjunction with the other borough presidents, throughout New York City. We
must continually work to guarantee that no one in our city is left alone and
hungry. We must also guarantee that the food served is always appetizing and
warm. Several days worth of microwavable meals delivered to a homebound senior
is not acceptable. Daily deliveries are much more than food. They alleviate loneliness
as well as hunger.
Housing and SCRIE
We must face the fact that there’s a housing crisis in Manhattan. This
is true for so many residents, but it’s an acute situation for seniors
living on fixed incomes. I will advocate for the building of more non-profit,
assisted living facilities to prevent lifelong residents of Manhattan to be
shifted to nursing homes in other boroughs or towns. I will also increase outreach
so that seniors know about the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program,
and how they may participate. I will also lobby legislators to adjust income
eligibility every three years.
Fight To Keep Social Security Safe
As Americans and New Yorkers, we must approach Social Security reform with
the utmost care. I will fight alongside our other elected representatives
to be sure that the stability of our nation’s future seniors is not
undermined by private interests that stand to gain from the privatization
of our safety net.
Senior SRO’s
We must create more of these units in Manhattan, so that our most vulnerable
seniors can maintain independence, and not risk ending up in homeless shelters
or on the streets.
