Community Resources for Older People
Columbia’s Office of Work/Life provides access to a number of resources for those seeking eldercare.
https://worklife.columbia.edu/adult-and-elder-care
For those living between West 96th Street and West 110th Street, the Bloomingdale Aging in Place organization offers a variety of services as well as opportunities for volunteer work to support other seniors.
https://www.bloominplace.org
Morningside Village, a program of Lifeforce in Later Years, offers help to seniors living in the area bordered by West 105th Street, Riverside Drive, West 122nd Street, and Manhattan Avenue/Central Park West. The program provides a deep level of support to frail elderly residents through the power of passionate, trained neighbors and skilled social workers. Many volunteer opportunities are available.
https://lifeforce-in-later-years.org/morningside-village-2
Arts & Minds, Inc. is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The art programs engage and empower people with dementia, their family members, and professional caregivers to strengthen social, emotional, and spiritual bonds. Arts & Minds provides caregivers with tools—ranging from brushes to positive experiences—to help their loved ones live well.
https://www.artsandminds.org
The Jewish Board Bereavement Services offers individual and group bereavement support tailored to specific types of loss and various Jewish cultural, spiritual, and religious needs.
https://jewishboard.org/how-we-can-help/jewish-community-services/bereavement-support
The City of New York’s Department for the Aging provides a wide range of services and facilities for older people, especially those with limited incomes.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/index.page
Those interested in research activities associated with aging should know about Columbia’s Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center. The center conducts interdisciplinary research and provides education to advance the goals of increasing health spans, creating wellbeing in the new second half of life, and making longevity an asset so people of all ages may thrive in an aging society.
https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/centers/robert-n-butler-columbia-aging-center
Encore Creativity for Older Adults is the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and over. With over 40 ensembles (and growing!) nationwide, and over 1500 singers ages 55 to 99, Encore is a leading organization in the field of creative aging. We envision a world where all older adults have a place in the arts.
https://encorecreativity.org
Quest is a vital part of the CCNY family with nearly 245 active members who lead classes, self-administer more than 35 peer-taught courses each semester, and actively participate in committee and social activities. Classes are held twice each day, Monday through Thursday in the spring and fall: 10:30 am–12 pm and 1–2:30 pm. Fridays are reserved for group visits to New York’s cultural institutions. In the summer, the Quest Summer Encore Program gives Quest members a second chance to see favorite presentations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 to noon. Membership: Leave a message at 212-925-6625 ext. 229, or email us at [email protected] and someone from the Membership Committee will be in touch to answer your questions and arrange a time for you to visit.
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/cwe/quest
Guide to Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap Policies
Bridging the Medicare Cost Gap: Knowing Your Options (New York Times, February 15, 2025)
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/business/medicare-medigap-advantage.html
Alzheimer’s Support Groups
The Alzheimer’s Association New York City Chapter offers free early-stage support groups for individuals recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These groups provide a safe, supportive environment to share experiences, foster connections, and navigate the challenges of early-stage memory loss. Groups are offered both virtually and in-person. To learn more or register, visit the Early-Stage Support Groups page or call the 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
https://www.alz.org/nyc/support/new-york-city-early-stage-support-groups
CaringKind, the Heart of Alzheimer’s Caregiving, offers virtual and in-person support groups across New York City. Led by trained facilitators, these groups provide caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias a safe, empathetic space to share experiences, gain practical advice, and receive emotional support. To learn more or join a group, visit CaringKind Support Groups or call their Helpline at (646) 744-2900.
https://www.caringkindnyc.org/supportgroups
NYU Langone’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Family Support Program offers free, evidence-based services for family caregivers. The program provides individualized care consultations with licensed clinical social workers, support groups conducted via Zoom or phone, educational workshops, and referrals to community resources. For more information or to enroll, visit the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Family Support Program or call (646) 754-2277.
https://nyulangone.org/care-services/alzheimers-disease-related-dementias-family-support-program