New York City is famously known for its fast-paced, move-it-or-lose-it way of life. This attitude stems from the large number of young professionals crowding the streets; however life in some parts of the city is slowing down, if only just slightly. New York Academy of Medicine is looking to create 2 age-friendly neighborhoods in New York City. These pilot projects are the result of town hall meetings and focus groups involving thousands of older adults in the area. The Academy listened to concerns people had with walking around their neighborhoods and crossing the street.
Ideas for the neighborhoods’ development and amenities have not been finalized, but one would have businesses voluntarily place stickers in their windows signifying their “age-friendliness” while providing extra benches, adequate lighting and menus with large type. The Academy and area businesses recognize these changes are important to attract a demographic with strong economic power.
Other street improvements would include increasing crosswalk timing signals to allow elderly more time to cross, more benches on the street and better gutter drainage at intersections.
The full article from the New York Times can be accessed
here.
